How It Works
From purchase to your starting point in under 5 minutes.
What is a SWMS?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that sets out the high-risk construction work activities to be carried out, the hazards arising from those activities, and the measures to control those risks.
Under WHS legislation, a SWMS is required before any high-risk construction work (HRCW) begins. The PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) must ensure SWMS are prepared, followed, and kept while the work is being done.
Many businesses also use SWMS for non-HRCW tasks as part of good safety practice and to satisfy principal contractor requirements.
What is an SOP?
A Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) is a one-page document that sets out the step-by-step instructions for safely operating a specific piece of equipment or carrying out a specific task. SOPs cover hazards, required PPE, pre-start checks, the safe procedure itself, shutdown steps, and emergency response.
SOPs are typically posted at the equipment or work area so operators can reference them before and during use. They complement SWMS by providing equipment-level detail that a broader SWMS document doesn't cover.
Our SOP packs are state-specific and cover both general equipment (grinders, saws, drills, ladders, EWPs) and trade-specific equipment. They are included free with every SWMS trade pack, or available to purchase separately.
Why We Sell Per State
Most SWMS you buy online are one generic document that claims to work everywhere. They don't. Each state has its own safety laws, its own regulator, and its own requirements. Victoria doesn't even use the same Act as everyone else.
Hand a principal contractor in Queensland a SWMS that references "SafeWork NSW" and see how that goes. It looks like you've copied someone else's paperwork — because you have.
Our documents are written separately for each state. The NSW version references the NSW WHS Act and SafeWork NSW. The VIC version references the OHS Act 2004 and WorkSafe Victoria. Different laws, different documents.
Pick your state at checkout. You get the version that matches your jurisdiction. We also have a National version if you work across multiple states and want a general starting point.
Who Must Have One?
Any PCBU carrying out high-risk construction work. In practice, this means most trade contractors on construction sites. Principal contractors routinely require SWMS from every subcontractor, even for work that may not technically be HRCW.
How Our Templates Work
Choose and Purchase
Pick an individual SWMS or a trade pack. Payment via card or Apple/Google Pay. Instant download.
Open Your File
You receive the .docx file for your selected state. Open it in Word, Google Docs, or any compatible editor.
Complete 5 Fields
Fill in: company name, site address, date, personnel involved, and sign off. The hazards, controls, PPE, and legislative references are already written.
Review and Customise
Review the content against your actual site conditions. Add, remove, or modify controls to match your specific work. The template is a starting point — you must make it yours.
Brief Your Crew and Use On Site
Workers must be consulted and sign the SWMS before work begins. Keep it accessible on site.
Master vs Task-Specific SWMS
Each trade pack includes a Master SWMS — a single document that covers the full scope of the trade. It addresses all the common tasks, hazards, and controls in one place.
The Master SWMS provides broad coverage of the trade, while task-specific documents cover individual activities in more detail.
Task-specific SWMS are also included in the pack. These are narrower documents focused on a single task (e.g., "Trench Excavation" or "Concrete Boom Pumping"). Use these when:
- The principal contractor requires task-level documentation
- The work involves specialist or high-risk activities
- You want more targeted detail than the Master provides
Both formats contain the same quality of content — the difference is scope, not quality.
Important Notice
These templates are a starting point. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and their competent person(s) to review, complete, and customise each SWMS for their specific site, work, and conditions. SWMS Aus and Keuer Solutions Pty Ltd do not provide legal, safety, or compliance advice. The documents do not replace the need for site-specific risk assessment by a competent person. By purchasing, you acknowledge this responsibility. See our Terms & Conditions for full details.