How to Fill Out a SWMS

Site-specific, delivered in about 4 minutes · free revision within 24h if your builder asks for changes

To fill out a SWMS, complete each part in order: the title block (PCBU name, ABN, principal contractor, site address, dates), the high risk construction work categories that apply, then a row for each work step with its hazards, an initial risk rating, the controls in hierarchy order, and a residual risk rating. Finish with the plant and licences, emergency procedures, the legislation for your state, and the worker sign-on. Fill it in for this specific site, not as a generic template.

1. 1

   Fill in the title block

   Enter the PCBU (your business) name and ABN, the principal contractor or builder, the site address, the date prepared, and a review date or trigger.

2. 2

   Tick the HRCW categories

   Mark every high risk construction work category the job involves. Each one must then appear in the work steps below.

3. 3

   List the work steps

   Break the activity into 6 to 12 steps in the order they happen. One row per step.

4. 4

   Write the hazards for each step

   For each step, list what could cause harm: falls, energised services, dust, plant movement.

5. 5

   Rate the initial risk

   Score each hazard on the risk matrix (likelihood × consequence) before controls.

6. 6

   Enter the controls

   Write the controls in hierarchy order: eliminate, substitute, isolate, engineering, administrative, PPE last. Be specific enough to act on.

7. 7

   Rate the residual risk

   Score the risk again after controls. It should be lower; if it is not, the controls are not doing enough.

8. 8

   Complete plant, emergency, and sign-on

   List plant, licences, and training; add emergency procedures; cite your state legislation; and have the workers sign on before work starts.