Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00394:body:0:p21
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00394
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 52481–55249

the control measure may not effectively control
    * if a new relevant hazard or risk is identified
    * if the results of consultation indicate that a review is necessary, or
    * if a health and safety representative requests a review.
When reviewing control measures, the SWMS must also be reviewed and revised where necessary.

If problems are found, go back through the risk management steps, review your information
and make further decisions about control measures.
A change at the workplace includes:
    * a change to the workplace itself or any aspect of the work environment
    * a change to a system of work, a process or a procedure.
Where a SWMS has been developed for high risk construction work or a WHS management plan has been developed for a construction project, these documents must also be reviewed and revised (where necessary) when control measures have been reviewed.

4.                  SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENTS (SWMS)

4.1              What is a SWMS?
A SWMS is required for the 18 high risk construction work activities defined in the WHS Regulations. Examples of high risk construction work are provided in Appendix B.

A SWMS is a written document that sets out the high risk construction work activities to be carried out at a workplace, the hazards and risks arising from these activities and the measures to be put in place to control the risks. Its primary purpose is to help supervisors and workers implement and monitor the control measures established at the workplace to ensure high risk construction work
is carried out safely.

For all other construction activities a SWMS is not required. However, a person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks to health and safety by eliminating or minimising risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

Who is responsible for preparing a SWMS?
A person conducting a business or undertaking must prepare a SWMS—or ensure a SWMS has been prepared—before high risk construction work starts.
The person responsible for carrying out the high risk construction work is best placed to prepare the SWMS in consultation with workers who will be directly engaged in the high risk construction work. This person understands the work being carried out, is responsible for providing training, instruction and supervision to the workers undertaking the work and can ensure the SWMS is implemented, monitored and reviewed correctly. If more than one person has the duty to ensure
a SWMS is or has been prepared, they must consult with each other to co-ordinate who will be responsible for actually preparing it.

There may be situations where there are different types of high risk construction work occurring
at the same time at the same workplace, for example if work is being