APPENDIX C: SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENTS TEMPLATE AND EXAMPLE SWMS Template Drafting Note: The following is a version of the WorkSafe Victoria SWMS template for the development of council specific Safe Work Method Statements. Safe work method statement This SWMS is a site-specific statement that must be prepared before any high-risk construction work is commenced. Person responsible for ensuring compliance with this SWMS: Date: High-risk job: Location: What are the tasks involved? What are the hazards and risks? Think about the worksite and each stage of the project, including preparation and clean-up. Page 89 How will hazards and risks be controlled? (describe the control measures and how they will be used)
Steps for filling out 1. Discuss with relevant employees, contractors and HSRs what work will be high-risk, the tasks, and associated hazards, risks and controls. 2. In the What are the tasks involved? column, list the work tasks in sequence to how they will be carried out. 3. In the What are the hazards and risks? column, list the hazards and risks for each work task. 4. In the How will the hazards and risks be controlled? column, select the hazard or risk and then work through the control levels 1 4 from top to bottom. Choose a control measure (and how it is to be used) that is as close to level 1 as is reasonably practicable. Control levels 1. Eliminate any risk to health or safety associated with construction work. 2. Reduce the risk to health or safety by any one or any combination of the following: Substituting a new activity, procedure, plant, process or substance Isolating persons from the hazard, such as barricading, fencing or guardrailing, or Using engineering controls, such as mechanical or electrical devices. 3. Use administrative controls, such as changing the way the work is done. 4. Provide appropriate personal protective equipment. 5. Brief each team member on this SWMS before commencing work. Ensure team knows that work is to immediately stop if the SWMS is not being followed. 6. Observe work being carried out. If controls are not adequate, stop the work, review the SWMS, adjust as required and re-brief the team. 7. Retain this SWMS for the duration of the high-risk construction work. Page 90
SWMS Example SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT FORM Corangamite Shire Council Series - 100 F/09/868 - D/13/10406 Date Issued 26/03/2013 OPERATION OF RIDE ON MOWER Date for review 2016 SWMS No SWMS - 101 Vers Ed1/Rev0 Page 1 of 2 Purpose This SWMS outlines the safe procedure for operating a ride on mower in the Corangamite Shire. Scope As a result of a Job Safety Analysis being performed on this procedure by an elected group of council employees, a SWMS was determined to be the most effective control measure to minimise the risk of injury to those performing the task. This procedure is performed on a regular basis within the Corangamite Shire and the information provided below is to be strictly adhered to by employees and management so as to ensure that all identified hazards are addressed correctly. Responsibility CEO Manager Works Employees This SWMS has been provided to satisfy the Risk Management provision outlined in section 20 of the OHS Act 2004 This SWMS will be provided to all employees and contractors that are involved with this procedure All employees and contractors at Corangamite Shire Council must work in accordance with Council s OH&S Management System. Endorsement Signed Date Signed Date Signed Date Page 91
Training requirements OH & S General Induction Training for Construction Workers Instruction under the supervision of an experienced employee All employees are only to carry out tasks only after they have received appropriate training References and Guidelines Operators Instructions Manual Refer to CSC Hazard Information Sheets- 2002 Heavy Plant Fleet Policy & Procedures Maintenance checks for this procedure Pre-start check using manufacturers instruction Manual Pre-start check using Council s Daily Maintenance Checklist Programmed Plant Maintenance Report immediately all plant defects to Immediate Supervisor PPE and other equipment required for this procedure Fully maintained mower in safe working order PPE as prescribed & issued Ref: CSC Hazard Information Sheets- 2002 Beacons operating where fitted Machinery access procedures Page 92
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT FORM OPERATION OF RIDE ON MOWER Corangamite Shire Council Critical Step in procedure Potential Hazards Safety Control measure 1. Pre-start check on Ride on Mower New Employee or Contractor No pre-start check performed Series - 100 F/09/868 - D/13/10406 Date Issued 26/03/2013 Date for review 2016 SWMS No. SWMS - 101 Vers Ed1/Rev0 Page 2 of 2 Induct all new drivers in plant pre-start checks as per the Manufacturer s Instructions Complete Daily Maintenance Record Start mower and arrive at worksite Conduct risk assessment of worksite Noise Collision with other vehicle/plant /person Traffic Hazard Adverse environmental/weather conditions Unstable/ uneven ground i.e. rollover Contact with objects/persons/vehicles Use low decibel rating plant when available Wear PPE Drive to weather / road/ traffic conditions Keep lookout for vehicles/pedestrians at all times Obey road rules Visual inspection of worksite to identify potential hazards Determine and install appropriate signage as required Do not work in adverse weather conditions Assess stability and slope of the ground Wear seatbelt Ensure reversing alarm / flashing lights working Ensure work area clear of objects/vehicles/ persons Page 93
Commence mower operations Maintenance of mower after use Store mower away in dry/ safe location Mower striking object/ plant/person Flying objects thrown by mower striking vehicle/person i.e. stones Plant rollover Manual handling Noise Dust Dust Manual Handling High pressured air/water Mower striking object / plant Contact with vehicles/persons Robbery Use only a competent plant operator Ensure work area clear of vehicle/ persons Persons to remain clear of mower whilst in operation Keep lookout for vehicle/pedestrians at all times Reversing alarms & flashing lights operational Drive to suit weather and terrain conditions Wear seatbelt Carry out litter collection of area prior to mowing Regular rest breaks / job rotation Wear PPE Wear PPE Persons to remain clear of plant when using high pressure air/water to clean Forward drive into park and allow sufficient space between parked vehicles Persons required remaining clear of mower whilst in operation. Ensure all persons clear when moving mower Ensure mower is locked away and ignition keys removed and held in a secure place Page 94
Refuelling Allow machine to cool down; Wipe dirt from around fuel filler cap; As an added precaution keep the fuel clean by using a funnel with a fine strainer Never refuel near an open flame, with a mobile phone on, whilst smoking or while the engine is running; Always refuel in a well-ventilated area and clear of other flammable materials; When refuelling in the field take care not to spill or overfill the fuel tank; Page 95