COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Applying Safe Work Method Statements in Tiling Worksites course. This program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to understand the correct development, implementation, and monitoring of Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) as required by WHS legislation.
SWMS play a vital role in preventing accidents and injuries in tiling environments, especially where high-risk construction work is undertaken. This course begins by defining what a SWMS is, explaining its legal purpose under WHS laws, and highlighting why it is a critical tool for managing health and safety in all tiling operations.
Understanding your legal obligations is essential. This section explores the requirements outlined in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW) and explains when a SWMS is legally mandated on construction sites. It also identifies high-risk construction work categories, such as work involving powered tools, heights, and hazardous manual tasks that are frequently encountered in tiling.
Identifying high-risk activities early in the planning process allows for appropriate controls. This section focuses on the most common hazards in tiling, including heavy lifting, wall tiling at height, and the use of tile cutters, grinders, and electrical tools—all of which must be addressed in a compliant SWMS.
Developing a tiling-specific SWMS requires active involvement from all stakeholders. This section covers how to engage workers and supervisors in creating a practical document, how to structure the SWMS in clear step-by-step tasks, and how to tailor the content to address hazards unique to the tiling trade.
A well-structured SWMS promotes clarity and action. This section provides guidance on the essential components of a SWMS document: identifying tasks, pinpointing hazards, selecting appropriate control measures, and assigning responsibilities for monitoring. It also stresses the importance of using industry-recognised templates and plain language.
Effective hazard identification is the foundation of any SWMS. This section explains how to recognise environmental and task-based risks, use existing inspection and hazard report data, and ensure that any site-specific hazards are included in the final document.
Risk assessment is key to prioritising control measures. This section demonstrates how to determine the likelihood and consequence of identified hazards, how to use a risk matrix to assign risk levels, and how to justify the selected controls based on evidence and site conditions.
Choosing the right controls ensures the SWMS is effective. This section introduces the hierarchy of controls, starting with elimination and substitution, followed by engineering, administrative, and PPE measures. It provides examples of how each can be applied to tiling tasks.
Control methods must be practical and clearly written. This section covers how to describe risk control actions in detail, align each control with its corresponding task, and allocate responsibilities to individuals or teams to ensure implementation is carried out as planned.
Worker consultation improves both safety and compliance. This section outlines how to involve the tiling crew in reviewing and refining the SWMS, promote open discussion, and formally document consultation efforts as required by WHS procedures.
Communication on-site ensures everyone understands the SWMS. This section explains how to conduct toolbox talks, make the document available at all times, and use visual tools or simplified language to communicate safety requirements effectively to all personnel.
SWMS must be reviewed regularly to remain effective. This section describes when revisions are triggered—such as after changes in site conditions or a safety incident—and how to document and communicate updates while involving the work team in the review process.
Supervisors play a critical role in ensuring compliance. This section addresses their responsibilities in monitoring daily work practices, reinforcing safe behaviours, and supporting staff in following the documented safe work procedures outlined in the SWMS.
Workers are equally accountable for safety outcomes. This section reinforces their duty to follow SWMS instructions, use appropriate PPE, report hazards or incidents, and take part in safety briefings and reviews.
Subcontractors and site visitors must also comply. This section outlines the process for providing SWMS documents to external personnel, ensuring they understand their responsibilities, and supervising their activities while they are on-site.
Documentation is a legal requirement and a best practice. This section covers how to record SWMS inductions and sign-offs, maintain briefing attendance sheets, and securely store completed documentation for potential WHS audits or investigations.
SWMS should be linked to other key safety documents. This section explores how to integrate SWMS with Job Safety Analyses (JSA), Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs), and broader Safety Management Plans, ensuring consistency across safety systems.
Safety incidents prompt reflection and improvement. This section explains how to review and update the SWMS after an incident, revise or reinforce controls, and re-train affected staff to prevent recurrence and maintain site safety.
Ongoing auditing verifies the correct application of SWMS. This section highlights the importance of WHS audits, how to assess worksite activities against the documented SWMS, and how to use findings to drive documentation and behavioural improvements.
Creating a safety-focused culture enhances long-term outcomes. This final section discusses the value of leadership in modelling SWMS adherence, fostering open communication about safety, and recognising workers who consistently uphold high safety standards.
By the end of this course, you will have a solid understanding of how to develop, apply, review, and monitor Safe Work Method Statements for tiling tasks in compliance with Australian WHS regulations—supporting a safer, more efficient worksite for all.
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)
- Definition and purpose of a SWMS
- Legal obligations under WHS laws
- Importance of SWMS in tiling operations
2. WHS Regulations and SWMS Requirements
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW)
- When a SWMS is legally required on-site
- High-risk construction work (HRCW) categories
3. Identifying High-Risk Activities in Tiling
- Manual handling of heavy tiles and materials
- Working at heights during wall tiling
- Use of cutting equipment and electrical tools
4. Developing a Tiling-Specific SWMS
- Involving workers and supervisors in planning
- Describing tasks in clear and logical steps
- Addressing hazards specific to tiling works
5. Structuring a SWMS Document
- Key components: task, hazard, risk control, monitoring
- Using standardised templates and language
- Ensuring the sequence of work is clearly outlined
6. Hazard Identification in Tiling Worksites
- Recognising environmental and task-based hazards
- Using inspections and hazard reports as input
- Including site-specific hazards in the SWMS
7. Assessing Risks in Tiling Tasks
- Determining likelihood and consequence
- Prioritising risks using a risk matrix
- Documenting risk levels and justification
8. Selecting Control Measures
- Applying the hierarchy of controls
- Using elimination and substitution first
- Implementing engineering and PPE where necessary
9. Detailing Control Methods in the SWMS
- Describing specific steps to reduce risk
- Matching controls to each task step
- Including responsible persons for implementation
10. Consulting the Work Team on SWMS
- Engaging workers in reviewing the SWMS
- Encouraging feedback and practical input
- Recording consultation activities as required
11. Communicating the SWMS On-Site
- Delivering toolbox talks and safety briefings
- Making SWMS available to all personnel
- Using visual aids and simple language
12. Reviewing and Updating SWMS Regularly
- Triggers for revision: site changes or incidents
- Ensuring updates are documented and communicated
- Involving workers in review discussions
13. Ensuring Supervisor Responsibilities
- Monitoring compliance with SWMS procedures
- Enforcing controls and correcting unsafe behaviours
- Supporting team members in following safe practices
14. Worker Responsibilities under SWMS
- Understanding and following safe procedures
- Reporting hazards and incidents promptly
- Using PPE and equipment as required
15. Managing Subcontractors and Visitors
- Providing copies of the SWMS
- Ensuring understanding before starting work
- Monitoring compliance during site access
16. Recording and Documenting Compliance
- Signing the SWMS before commencing work
- Keeping attendance records for briefings
- Storing completed forms for WHS audits
17. Linking SWMS to Other Safety Documents
- Connection with Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
- Integration with Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Reference to site-specific Safety Management Plans
18. Responding to Safety Incidents and Near Misses
- Reviewing SWMS effectiveness post-incident
- Adjusting controls to prevent recurrence
- Re-training team members if needed
19. Auditing and Evaluating SWMS Application
- Conducting periodic WHS audits
- Reviewing site practices against SWMS details
- Using audit outcomes to improve documentation
20. Promoting a Safety Culture in Tiling
- Leading by example on SWMS adherence
- Encouraging open discussion about safety concerns
- Recognising and rewarding safe work behaviours
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”.