Why Inaccurate or Poorly Reviewed Safe Work Method Statements Put Everyone at Risk

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are one of the most important health and safety documents in high-risk work. But when they’re not accurate, not site-specific, or when your team isn’t confident in writing or reviewing them, they can become little more than paperwork, and that’s where the danger starts.

We’ve seen it too many times. A generic SWMS is copied from one job to another, leaving out key site specific details. Or, it’s signed off by someone who doesn’t fully understand the risks being controlled. Sometimes, workers on site don’t even feel ownership over the document because it doesn’t reflect their actual work.

And the result of 'another piece of paperwork'?

• Hazards get missed

• Risks aren’t properly managed

• Teams don’t follow the SWMS because it doesn’t match what they’re doing

• And worst case, serious incidents happen, team members get hurt, and the SWMS fails to stand up under investigation.

But First, What Exactly is a SWMS?

A Safe Work Method Statement is a health and safety document that outlines high-risk construction work, identifies hazards, and describes the control measures in place to minimise risks. SWMS are not a legal requirement, but they are a tool in ensuring that work is carried out safely and in compliance with regulations

Where it goes wrong

Some of the most common SWMS failures we see:

Confusion on what a SWMS is

How does a SWMS differ from a JSA or SSSP?

They’re not site-specific

A “one-size-fits-all” SWMS that doesn’t consider site specific hazards or conditions is basically useless.

Workers don’t understand it

If your team doesn’t feel confident writing, reading, or reviewing a SWMS, they won’t use it effectively.

It’s a tick-box exercise

When a SWMS is just copied from a template and filed away, it’s not doing its job of actually managing risk.

Review responsibilities are unclear

Who owns the document? Who checks it? If no one knows, it quickly loses relevance.

Confidence in Safe Work Method Statements Matters

A well-prepared, site-specific SWMS identifies real risks in the real work environment and provides clear steps to eliminate or minimise those risks. A great SWMS gives workers a document they trust and actually follow and importantly, protects your organisation if an incident is investigated

When your team understands why and how a SWMS is written and reviewed, it becomes a practical risk management tool, not just more paperwork.

---

The Solution? Build Understanding and Confidence

That’s why Koal created our Understanding and Reviewing Safe Work Method Statements course. It helps your team:

• Understand exactly when and why SWMS are required

• Write and review them with confidence

• Know the difference between a generic document and a useful, site-specific one

• Build a stronger safety culture where everyone feels accountable

Ready to learn more?

Check out our SWMS training and allow you and your team create accurate, meaningful and effective.

Understanding and Reviewing Safe Work Method Statements

Buy Now