Frequently Asked Questions

In simple terms it's the process for determining the level of risk (good or bad) in relation to a thing. 

That thing could be a piece of plant or equipment or an activity involving a variety of actions.

In terms of safety, its how you determine the risks of harm associated with the work your business does and ways to minimise those risks from eventuating.

No you don't need to conduct a risk assessment for everything. 

In Australia, the laws say to eliminate hazards and if that is not reasonably practicable, to minimise the risks from the hazard. 

This is often achieved through a risk management process which involves conducting a risk assessment. However if the risks are already known and control measures are effectiveor the controls are clear in the regulations then you don't need to do a risk assessment.

A risk register is a central location to record the risks identified within the business. 

This could be an Excel spreadsheet or Sharepoint site or third party proprietary platform. 

It should record what the hazard is, the risks associated with that hazard, the controls in place to manage the risks and who 'owns' the hazard. 

Other useful information for a register can include:

•  a way to identify the hazard (e.g. #1, #2 or Ops 1, Man 1 etc), 
• the level of risk or risk score,
• review dates
• person responsible for the review (or to ensure it is carried out)

Unfortunately, SWMS (pronounced 'swims') or Safe Work Method Statements are often used out of context and asked to be produced for the simplest of tasks. 

A SWMS sets out the way in which work is to be carried out in a safe manner listed in a logical order. They identify the hazard and risk and controls for each step of the work. 

Under the legislation, a SWMS is only required to be prepared for 'high risk construction work' as defined by your state's regulation.

State regulators provide examples and templates that you can use (search their site or go to our resource page), but once completed they need to provided to the Principal Contractor before the work commences.

SWMS's do not need to be provided for every high risk activity you do, one SMWS can capture all HRCW activities if it makes sense to do so.

You don't need to 'sign onto a SWMS' either. Workers need to be consulted as part of the preparation of a SWMS and those workers need to be recorded (hence the misconception of 'signing on') but you can have your own SWMS because 'signing onto' someone elses SWMS indicates you were consulted in the preparation of that SWMS.

Most certainly you can and its actually easier if you do. We often see multiple multi-page SWMS for one project when one SWMS will do.

For example, a civil project involving the realignment of stormwater drains under a road could be covered in one SWMS that calls out the various HRCW for the entire project and then sets about breaking down the project into sections that involve those HRCW activities, such as:

1. Operating plant and equipment 
2. Working at ground level
3. Working below ground level
4. Working with high voltage electricity

Then under each section you just list the activities the workers will be doing and the hazards and risks associated with the activity and the controls to be implemented to manage the risks.

At the end of the day, anyone should be able to grab a SWMS and ask 'where are you up to on the SWMS' and it should coralate with what is being done on the ground. If there is a difference then either the SWMS needs to be reviewed or the work needs to change.

Funny that this is always the most asked question. Our day rate starts at $1,500 however we do offer some fixed price services. Check out Our Services for more information.

But don't let costs put you off. If you need help reach out and we can work something out. That's why we are here to partner, advise and grow you and your business.