COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Implementing Safe Work Method Statements in Concreting Projects course. This course has been developed to equip you with the knowledge and practical capability to implement Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) effectively across a range of concreting activities in Australian construction environments. It will guide you through the legal, procedural, and operational steps required to ensure high-risk concreting tasks are carried out safely, consistently, and in full compliance with WHS legislation.

The course begins by defining what a Safe Work Method Statement is and its critical purpose in construction safety management. You will explore the legal obligations under WHS laws that mandate the use of SWMS for high-risk work, with particular reference to concreting operations such as formwork erection, concrete pumping, finishing on elevated slabs, and more. You will learn how properly developed and implemented SWMS documents contribute to incident prevention and legal compliance.

Identifying high-risk activities is essential for determining when and where SWMS must be applied. This section covers the typical concreting tasks that are considered high-risk under Australian WHS legislation. You will review real-world examples of common risks—such as falls from height, crush injuries, or structural failure—and understand why SWMS are legally required before work on these tasks begins.

A compliant SWMS must follow a defined structure. This section explains how to construct a SWMS document that clearly outlines each step of the task, identifies associated hazards, specifies control measures, and nominates responsible persons. You will be guided through each section of a SWMS so you can confidently review or create documentation that meets both safety and legislative requirements.

Understanding the legislative framework is essential. This section covers the Work Health and Safety Act and WHS Regulations across Australian states and territories, including guidance from Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice for construction work. You will also learn the respective responsibilities of principal contractors, supervisors, subcontractors, and workers in relation to SWMS compliance.

Developing a SWMS for concreting activities requires consultation and accuracy. This section shows you how to engage workers and site supervisors during the drafting process, map out the full scope of concreting tasks (from set-up to clean-up), and ensure that selected control measures are realistic, achievable, and tailored to actual site conditions.

Clear and concise documentation of hazards and controls is non-negotiable. This section emphasises the use of plain English to ensure all workers—regardless of language or literacy—understand the SWMS. You will learn how to describe hazards like dust, trips, and tool misuse in simple terms, and how to outline practical measures such as PPE, signage, emergency procedures, and exclusion zones.

Responsibilities must be clearly assigned in every SWMS. This section covers how to designate competent persons to oversee each stage of concreting work, assign accountability for inspections, and ensure that every worker understands their individual duty to implement and follow documented safety controls.

A SWMS is only useful when integrated into daily operations. This section explores how to incorporate SWMS actions into pour schedules, pre-start meetings, and delivery timelines. You will also learn the importance of having SWMS documents available on site at all times for reference, briefings, and inspections.

Communication is key. This section focuses on how to conduct effective SWMS briefings for concreting teams before work begins. It includes strategies for using translated materials, visual aids, and hands-on demonstrations to support understanding. Time must be provided for questions, clarifications, and confirmation that the team has understood the method and safety controls.

Gaining sign-off is a compliance requirement. This section outlines how to record the names, roles, signatures, and times of all workers covered by the SWMS. These records form part of the legal evidence that safety briefings and inductions have occurred and must be retained for inspection and auditing purposes.

Supervision ensures that work is performed in accordance with the SWMS. This section details how to monitor compliance on site, intervene immediately if control measures are not followed, and report any deviations to the relevant supervisor or WHS representative. The authority to stop unsafe work is a key responsibility covered here.

SWMS must be updated when conditions change. This section covers the procedure for revising SWMS when unexpected weather, equipment faults, or new tasks arise. You will learn how to re-brief teams on amended documents, gain new signatures, and ensure that work continues under current and relevant safety instructions.

Coordination with other trades is essential for effective SWMS integration. This section explores how to align your SWMS with those of other trades operating in the same area, particularly where tasks overlap. Strategies for managing risks arising from simultaneous operations are discussed, including task sequencing and shared safety protocols.

Managing subcontractor and labour hire SWMS is a principal contractor obligation. This section outlines the process for reviewing subcontractor-submitted SWMS for compliance, ensuring alignment with site safety systems, and monitoring that external workers understand and apply the documented controls effectively.

Emergency procedures must be included in the SWMS. This section covers how to document emergency contacts, access routes, and first aid arrangements for concreting sites. You will also learn how to plan for scenarios such as chemical spills, structural collapse, or serious injury, and ensure this information is communicated during pre-start briefings.

Finally, document control and recordkeeping are addressed. This section explains how to store signed SWMS and associated records securely—whether in hard copy or using cloud-based safety apps. You will understand the importance of making SWMS documentation easily accessible to site inspectors, auditors, and all workers at any point during the project.

By completing this course, you will be fully prepared to implement, manage, and monitor Safe Work Method Statements across a variety of concreting projects. You will gain confidence in applying WHS requirements, contributing to a safer workplace culture, and ensuring every high-risk task is conducted with discipline, clarity, and professionalism.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

• Defining SWMS and their purpose in construction safety
• Legislative requirements for high-risk work
• How SWMS contribute to safe concreting operations

2. Identifying High-Risk Activities in Concreting Work

• Common high-risk concreting tasks
• Activities that legally require a SWMS under WHS laws
• Examples of incidents and risks associated with these tasks

3. Understanding the Structure and Format of a SWMS

• Key sections of a compliant SWMS document
• Describing the task step-by-step and associated risks
• Linking hazards to control measures and responsible persons

4. Reviewing WHS Legislation Relevant to SWMS

• WHS Act and WHS Regulations in Australian states and territories
• Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice on construction work
• Responsibilities of principal contractors and subcontractors

5. Developing a SWMS for Concreting Activities

• Consulting with workers and supervisors when drafting
• Identifying all steps in the concreting process
• Ensuring control measures are practical and effective

6. Documenting Hazards and Risk Controls Clearly

• Using clear and simple language understood by all workers
• Describing hazards such as slips, dust, crush injuries, and falls
• Outlining PPE, signage, exclusion zones, and emergency steps

7. Assigning Responsibilities in the SWMS

• Nominating competent persons to supervise each activity
• Clarifying who is responsible for inspections and sign-off
• Ensuring all workers are accountable for following controls

8. Integrating SWMS into Daily Operational Planning

• Aligning SWMS tasks with pour schedules and delivery planning
• Ensuring SWMS are available and accessible on-site
• Updating daily pre-starts to reflect relevant SWMS items

9. Communicating the SWMS to Concreting Teams

• Conducting SWMS briefings before work begins
• Using visual aids or translated versions for non-English speakers
• Allowing time for questions and confirming understanding

10. Gaining Sign-Off and Worker Acknowledgement

• Ensuring every person involved has signed and dated the SWMS
• Recording names, roles, and times for verification
• Retaining records for auditing and compliance

11. Supervising Work Against the SWMS

• Monitoring adherence to control measures during pours
• Correcting deviations from the documented procedure
• Reporting non-compliance and stopping work if needed

12. Updating SWMS in Response to Site Changes

• Revising the SWMS when conditions, tools, or tasks change
• Re-briefing the team and gaining fresh signatures
• Avoiding the use of outdated or generic statements

13. Coordinating with Other Trades and SWMS

• Ensuring alignment of SWMS between trades working in close proximity
• Managing risks from overlapping or conflicting activities
• Establishing sequencing to avoid simultaneous high-risk tasks

14. Managing SWMS for Subcontractors and Labour Hire

• Requiring subcontractors to provide their own SWMS
• Reviewing external SWMS for completeness and compliance
• Ensuring integration with principal contractor's safety systems

15. Handling Emergency Procedures in SWMS

• Including emergency contacts, exits, and first aid arrangements
• Planning for chemical spills, injuries, or structural failures
• Communicating emergency roles and drills during briefings

16. Document Control and Recordkeeping

• Storing completed SWMS and signature sheets securely
• Making documents available to inspectors or auditors
• Using cloud-based systems or apps for digital access

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.