Checklist · Site Safety & Administration
SWMS Review Checklist
Checklist for principal contractors, supervisors and subcontractors to review whether a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is fit for purpose before high risk construction work starts. Checks the HRCW identified, hazards, controls, hierarchy of controls, consultation, sign-on and review triggers.
34 checklist items
Checklist Items
| Item | Pass / Yes | Fail / No |
|---|---|---|
| SWMS DETAILS | ||
| Date of Review | ||
| Site / Project | ||
| SWMS Title and Version / Revision | ||
| Company That Prepared the SWMS | ||
| Work Activity Covered | ||
| Reviewer Name and Role | ||
| SCOPE & HIGH RISK CONSTRUCTION WORK | ||
| SWMS is site-specific (site name, address and actual work area, not a generic copy) | Pass | Fail |
| Every type of high risk construction work involved in the task is identified | Pass | Fail |
| Work steps match how the job will actually be done on this site | Pass | Fail |
| Plant, equipment and hazardous chemicals to be used are listed | Pass | Fail |
| Interaction with other trades, public, traffic and site conditions considered | Pass | Fail |
| HAZARDS & CONTROLS | ||
| Hazards and risks are identified for each work step | Pass | Fail |
| Controls are specific and practical (who, what, how), not just "be careful" or "use PPE" | Pass | Fail |
| Controls follow the hierarchy of controls; PPE and admin controls are not relied on where higher controls are reasonably practicable | Pass | Fail |
| Controls reflect relevant codes of practice and the principal contractor's WHS management plan | Pass | Fail |
| Risk ratings shown before and after controls, and residual risk is acceptable | Pass | Fail |
| How controls will be implemented, monitored and reviewed is described | Pass | Fail |
| Permits required (hot work, confined space, excavation, isolation) are referenced | Pass | Fail |
| Emergency and rescue arrangements suit the task (e.g. fall arrest rescue, confined space rescue) | Pass | Fail |
| COMPETENCY & RESOURCES | ||
| Required licences, tickets and training listed (e.g. HRW licences, white card, VOCs) | Pass | Fail |
| Supervisor or person responsible for each control named | Pass | Fail |
| PPE listed is specific to the hazards (type and standard where relevant) | Pass | Fail |
| CONSULTATION & COMMUNICATION | ||
| Workers doing the job were consulted in preparing the SWMS | Pass | Fail |
| Written in plain language that the workers can understand (translation provided if needed) | Pass | Fail |
| Workers have signed on to confirm they have read and understood it | Pass | Fail |
| A copy is kept on site and readily available while the work is done | Pass | Fail |
| REVIEW TRIGGERS | ||
| Review triggers stated: change to work method, new hazard, control not working, incident, worker or HSR request | Pass | Fail |
| Date of last review recorded and SWMS reviewed since any change on site | Pass | Fail |
| OUTCOME | ||
| Gaps found and changes required | ||
| SWMS accepted for use | Yes | No |
| Work to stop until revised SWMS provided | Yes | No |
| Date Revised SWMS Due | ||
| Reviewer Signature | ||
| Subcontractor / SWMS Owner Signature | ||