Safe Work Method Statement Example
Example document for Safe Work Method Statement. Use this as a reference when creating your own.
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Document: Safe Work Method Statement
Example Document
Last updated 7/30/2026
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)
Company Name: Apex Roofing Solutions Pty Ltd ABN: 12 345 678 901 Site Address: 42 Smith Street, Parramatta NSW Date of Preparation: 15 October 2023
1. DETAILS OF HIGH-RISK CONSTRUCTION WORK
Job Title/Description: Installation of colorbond roofing on new residential dwelling.
High-Risk Construction Work Activities:
- Work at heights over 2 metres
- Work near exposed live electricity
- Use of mobile plant (Skid steer for material delivery)
- Other:
2. PERSONS RESPONSIBLE
Principal Contractor: John Builder
Site Supervisor: Sarah Site
SWMS Prepared By: Mike Safety
Position: Site Manager
3. HAZARDS AND RISKS
| Step / Task | Hazard | Potential Consequence | Risk Rating | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access roof via ladder | Fall from height | Serious injury or death | High | 1. Install scaffold with edge protection (Engineering)<br>2. Secure ladder top and bottom (Admin)<br>3. Use tool belt to carry items (Admin) |
| Install roofing sheets | Fall from roof | Serious injury or death | High | 1. Use safety harness system connected to anchor point (PPE)<br>2. Work in pairs (Admin)<br>3. Ensure roof is dry before starting (Admin) |
| Move materials with skid steer | Collision with worker | Crush injuries | Medium | 1. Exclude workers from path (Isolation)<br>2. Use spotters (Admin)<br>3. Install reversing camera if available (Engineering) |
4. IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTROL MEASURES
Scaffolding will be erected by a certified ticket holder before work commences. The scaffolding will have handrails and toe boards on all open sides. Safety harnesses will be inspected by the Site Supervisor each morning. The skid steer will only operate in the designated zone, which will be marked with witches hats.
5. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF CONTROL MEASURES
| Control Measure | Inspection Frequency | Name of Responsible Person |
|---|---|---|
| Scaffolding | Weekly | Sarah Site |
| Harness | Daily | Sarah Site |
| Ladder | Daily | Worker using it |
6. WORKER CONSULTATION AND SIGN-OFF
| Worker Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Builder | Bob B. | 15/10/23 |
| apprentice Alex | Alex A. | 15/10/23 |
7. MANAGEMENT SIGN-OFF
I confirm this SWMS addresses all high-risk construction work activities for this project.
Name: Mike Safety
Signature: [Signed]
Date: 15/10/23
Notes
This example focuses on roofing. The high-risk activities selected are working at heights and mobile plant. The control measures follow the hierarchy of control by using scaffolding (engineering) before harnesses (PPE). The sign-off section includes both the supervisor and the apprentice to prove consultation occurred.
About this Example
Part of the Safe Work Method Statement document collection
Document Type
Safe Work Method Statement
A document that outlines the high-risk construction work to be done, the risks involved, and the control measures to be put in place.