Work Health and Safety Documents

The new work health and safety regulations took effect as of 1st January 2014, so Principal Contractors (builders) must now collect Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) from subcontractors for any high risk construction activities, before work commences.

Subcontractors also need Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s) for any hazardous chemicals bought on site.

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A safe work Method Statement:

  • Is a document prepared for a contractor
  • Identifies work activities that are “High Risk Construction work”
  • Defines the hazards and risks to health & safety by doing that work
  • Describes the control measure to reduce the risks
  • Are specific for a site
  • Must be reviewed and updated as conditions change

What do I do with SWMS

If you are a subcontractor on a job , and you are performing High Risk Construction work, then you must :

  • Complete a SWMS before commencing work on each site
  • Give a copy of the SWMS to the principal contractor before commencing work where the total project value is greater than $250K
  • Ensure that your workers have read and understand the SWMS
  • Ensure work is carried out as per the SWMS
  • Keep a copy of the SWMS readily accessible for workers and Inspectors.

Where do I get a SWMS from ?

SWMS templates can be purchased online, or from qualified safety consultants.

Regulation 299: A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must be prepared before high risk construction work (as defined in Chapter 1 of this Code) commences.
Regulation 300: A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure the high risk construction work is carried out in accordance with the SWMS for the work.
For more information on SWMS , refer to page 22 of the Construction Work Code of Practice

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

What is a Safety Data Sheet?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), previously called a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a document that provides information on the properties of hazardous chemicals and how they affect health and safety in the workplace. For example an SDS includes information on:

  • the identity of the chemical,
  • health and physicochemical hazards,
  • safe handling and storage procedures,
  • emergency procedures, and
  • disposal considerations.

The SDS should always be referred to when assessing risks in the workplace.

Where can I get Safety Data Sheets from?

When you purchase hazardous chemicals, the suppliers must supply you with a copy of the Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals purchased.
If you are unsure then ask the supplier if the substance is “Hazardous”.

If the substance is “Hazardous”, then  the suppliers must supply you with a safety data sheets with the purchase.
You can also download Safety Data Sheets from the internet.

Just search for the substance  name and SDS.

e.g. search for “Unleaded petrol sds” (without the quotes) and you should see a number results.

Download the SDS in .pdf format ready to print and keep in your WHS folder in your vehicle.
You can also upload the SDS into SiteBook for online access with your tablet device.

What do I do with Safety Data Sheets?

If you use or have and Hazardous Chemicals, then you must have the related SDS with you on site.
We recommend that you keep the SDS’s in your WHS folder in your vehicle.