How to Review a SWMS
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A SWMS must be reviewed and revised whenever the work, the hazards, or the control measures change, and before work resumes after any incident or non-compliance (reg 301). There is no fixed calendar interval: the trigger is change. Review it in consultation with the workers doing the work, update the steps, hazards, and controls that changed, record the review, and keep the SWMS available on site. Keep it until the high risk work is finished, and for at least two years if a notifiable incident occurred.
What triggers a review
- ✓ The work method or scope changes
- ✓ A new hazard appears or site conditions change (weather, other trades, new plant)
- ✓ A control measure is found not to be working
- ✓ An incident, near miss, or non-compliance happens
- ✓ The work moves to a new site: a new or reviewed SWMS is needed
How to do the review
Reviewing a SWMS is not a signature exercise. Go through it with the workers who do the work, because they see what actually happens on the ground. Update the steps, hazards, risk ratings, and controls that have changed, note the date and who was involved, and make sure everyone works to the revised version. If work cannot be done in accordance with the SWMS, it stops until the SWMS is fixed (reg 300).
How long to keep it
Keep the SWMS available for inspection until the high risk construction work is complete. If a notifiable incident happens in connection with the work, keep the SWMS for at least two years from the date of the incident.
Common questions
▸How often should a SWMS be reviewed?
There is no set interval. Review it whenever the work, hazards, or controls change, and after any incident. The trigger is change, not a date.
▸Who reviews the SWMS?
The PCBU carrying out the work, in consultation with the workers doing it and any relevant health and safety representatives.
▸How long do I keep a SWMS?
Until the work is finished, and for at least two years after a notifiable incident connected with the work.
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