SWMS review checklist (for builders)
Use this checklist to review a subcontractor's SWMS before letting high risk construction work start. It walks through the document basics, whether the high risk work is identified, whether the method and controls are real and in hierarchy order, licences and emergency arrangements, and worker sign-on, ending in a clear accept-or-return decision.
SWMS review checklist (for builders)
Company: ____________
Site: ____________
Date: ____________
Document basics
| Project name, site address, and principal contractor match this job | N/A · Action | |
| Dates are current, not recycled from a previous job | N/A · Action | |
| The described work matches the subcontract scope | N/A · Action | |
| No placeholder text or another builder's details anywhere | N/A · Action |
High risk construction work
| The HRCW categories that apply to the job are named | N/A · Action | |
| Nothing that plainly applies (heights over 2 m, confined space, excavation) is missing | N/A · Action | |
| Victorian jobs cite the OHS Regulations 2017, other states their WHS Regulations | N/A · Action |
Method, hazards and controls
| The job is broken into real steps, not "carry out works safely" | N/A · Action | |
| Each step has its hazards identified | N/A · Action | |
| Controls follow the hierarchy: elimination first, PPE last | N/A · Action | |
| Plant and equipment listed match the method | N/A · Action | |
| Licence classes named where the work requires them | N/A · Action |
Emergency and people
| Emergency procedures match the exposures (rescue from height, confined space rescue) | N/A · Action | |
| Workers doing the work have signed on, dated on or after the SWMS | N/A · Action | |
| Evidence of consultation with the crew | N/A · Action |
Decision
| ACCEPT: file the SWMS and keep it available for the duration of the work | N/A · Action | |
| RETURN: list the specific items to fix in writing, and do not let the high risk work start until fixed | N/A · Action |
Completed by: ____________________
Signature: ____________________
swmspack.com · Free printable checklist. Not legal advice; adapt to your site.
Common questions
▸Can a builder reject a subcontractor's SWMS?
Yes, and it should when the SWMS does not properly cover the work on the site. Work that cannot be done in accordance with a SWMS must stop until the SWMS is fixed.
▸How long does a proper SWMS review take?
About ten minutes against this checklist. That is cheap insurance compared with a stopped job or an incident investigation that finds a generic SWMS was waved through.
Subbie's SWMS keeps failing the review? Point them at a verified site-specific SWMS, generated in minutes.
A checklist confirms controls are in place; a SWMS is the document the law requires before high risk construction work starts. Generate a site-specific one for your trade.