Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) Australia
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are a legal requirement for high-risk construction work in Australia — but writing them correctly requires a thorough understanding of your work activities, the hazards involved, and the control measures required under Australian WHS legislation. Public Sector Contracts produces clear, compliant SWMS documents that meet regulatory requirements and protect your workers and your business.
Whether you need a single SWMS for an upcoming project or a full suite of safety documentation for your business, our team delivers professionally written, industry-specific documents that you can use with confidence.
We’ve produced SWMS documentation across a range of construction and trade activities, referencing the relevant Safe Work Australia codes of practice and state-based WHS regulations for each job, with a compliance writing background ensuring documents hold up to scrutiny.
WHS Compliant
All SWMS documents are written in line with the Work Health and Safety Act and relevant Safe Work Australia codes of practice.
Activity-Specific
We don’t use generic SWMS templates. Every document is written specifically for your work activities, your site conditions, and your control measures.
Fast Turnaround
We understand that project timelines don’t wait. We offer fast turnaround on SWMS documents without compromising on quality or compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a SWMS legally required in Australia?
A SWMS is legally required before any high-risk construction work begins in Australia. High-risk construction work includes work at heights, work involving excavation, work near traffic, demolition work, and work on or near energised electrical installations, among others. Refer to the Work Health and Safety Regulation for the full list.
What should a SWMS include?
A compliant SWMS must include: a description of the high-risk construction work, the hazards and risks associated with that work, and the control measures to be implemented. It should be prepared in consultation with workers and reviewed and updated if conditions change.
Can I use a SWMS template or does it need to be customised?
A generic template can be a useful starting point, but a SWMS needs to reflect the actual hazards and conditions of your specific site and work activity to be genuinely compliant — and useful in practice if an incident or audit occurs. We customise every SWMS to the real job, not just the activity type.
Who needs to sign a SWMS?
The person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for ensuring a SWMS is prepared, and it should be reviewed and signed by workers involved in the high-risk work before they begin, confirming they understand the hazards and control measures.
Can you write SWMS documents for multiple trades?
Yes, we write SWMS documents across a range of construction trades and activities. If you need a full set covering multiple work types, we can produce these as a package.
15+ Years Experience
Clients Across Australia
Australian-Owned Business