COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Implementing Safe Work Method Statements in Electrical Projects course. This training has been developed to equip you with the knowledge, procedures, and compliance skills necessary to develop, implement, and monitor Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) within the context of electrical construction work.
SWMS are a mandatory component of high-risk construction activity in Australia. This course begins by defining what constitutes a Safe Work Method Statement under the WHS Regulation 2011, and explains its purpose in managing risks associated with high-risk electrical tasks. It explores the legal requirements, key components, and role of the SWMS in ensuring both compliance and practical safety planning on worksites involving electrical installation, maintenance, and commissioning.
Electrical projects frequently involve high-risk construction activities that trigger legal obligations for SWMS preparation. This section identifies examples such as energised electrical work, tasks conducted at height, and operations in confined or restricted spaces. Participants will learn how to recognise when a SWMS is legally required, and how it differs from a general risk assessment in terms of structure, specificity, and regulatory expectations.
A well-structured SWMS includes several critical sections that ensure clarity and enforceability. This section provides a detailed breakdown of required content including task sequencing, hazard identification, control measures, required PPE, and permits or authorisations. Participants will also explore documentation standards and formatting preferences common across the construction and electrical industries.
Preparing to write a site-specific SWMS requires thorough contextual awareness. This section outlines how to gather and review relevant project documents, understand site conditions, and engage key stakeholders including principal contractors, project managers, and supervising electricians. Customisation of the SWMS must reflect the actual site risks, not generic templates.
Breaking the job down into specific, logical steps is fundamental to developing a practical SWMS. This section explains how to map electrical tasks from start to finish, ensuring sequential clarity while avoiding broad or generalised language. Clear task definition allows for meaningful hazard analysis and appropriate control selection.
Each step in the task must be assessed for associated hazards. This section examines electrical-specific risks such as arc flash, electric shock, and induced voltages, alongside environmental and physical hazards like working at heights, confined access points, dust, or heat. It also covers human factors such as fatigue, inexperience, and communication breakdowns that increase the likelihood of incidents.
Effective control of hazards requires application of the hierarchy of control. This section teaches how to prioritise elimination, substitution, and engineering controls before considering administrative measures and PPE. Each control must be specific, practical, and directly linked to the hazard it addresses within the context of the identified task.
Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined in the SWMS. This section explains how to document who will be performing and supervising each task, verify appropriate licences and qualifications, and ensure that all team members understand their individual duties and competency expectations.
Consultation is a legal and ethical requirement in the development of SWMS. This section covers how to involve the full team—including electricians, apprentices, and site managers—in discussions about risks and control measures. Documentation of feedback and obtaining signatures helps demonstrate that workers understand and agree with the contents of the SWMS.
The SWMS must be reviewed and formally approved before work begins. This section outlines approval pathways including sign-off by the supervisor, safety officer, or principal contractor, and alignment with issued permits and SWMS coordination plans. Approval ensures the SWMS is compliant, site-relevant, and ready for implementation.
Clear communication of the SWMS to the workforce is essential. This section discusses how to deliver pre-start briefings, conduct toolbox talks, and explain SWMS content in plain, accessible language. Confirming team comprehension through questions, discussions, and worker sign-off reinforces the value of safe method planning.
The SWMS must be actively implemented on site. This section explains how to monitor real-world application of documented control measures, supervise adherence to safe work methods, and ensure correct PPE usage. Visual prompts, job aids, and supervisor engagement help embed the SWMS into day-to-day activities.
Monitoring against the SWMS is necessary to maintain safety and compliance. This section describes how to perform regular checks, conduct observational audits, and identify any deviations from planned methods. Prompt feedback and corrective actions are necessary when unsafe practices are observed.
Site conditions and work scopes often change. This section focuses on how to review and update the SWMS when new hazards arise or when tasks change. It includes guidance on re-engaging workers, updating documentation, and maintaining version control to ensure all parties are referencing the most current information.
Emergency preparedness must be built into the SWMS. This section outlines how to incorporate emergency response procedures for electrical incidents, coordinate with site emergency plans, and review SWMS content following any incident or near miss to ensure lessons are applied.
Proper documentation and recordkeeping are critical. This section covers how to store SWMS for audit purposes, link them to daily work records and permits, and ensure they are accessible in either digital or hard-copy formats. Good recordkeeping supports accountability and compliance.
Ongoing auditing helps maintain the effectiveness of SWMS systems. This section describes how to schedule formal SWMS reviews, gather feedback from workers and supervisors, and assess both documentation quality and field application. The goal is to continuously improve the clarity, usability, and relevance of SWMS documents.
Creating a strong culture around safe work method planning is the final goal of this course. This section explores how to promote SWMS not as a compliance formality, but as a proactive planning tool that supports safety and professionalism. It also highlights the importance of training, mentoring, and recognition for teams that consistently apply safe work methods.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and compliance strategies needed to develop, communicate, and enforce Safe Work Method Statements that protect workers, satisfy WHS obligations, and support safe, efficient outcomes in electrical construction projects.
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) in Electrical Work
- Definition and legal requirement of SWMS under WHS Regulation 2011
- Purpose of SWMS in high-risk electrical construction work
- Key components of an effective SWMS
2. Identifying High-Risk Construction Work in Electrical Projects
- Types of high-risk tasks: live work, working at heights, confined spaces
- Recognising when a SWMS is legally required
- Distinguishing SWMS from general risk assessments
3. Understanding the Structure and Content of a SWMS
- Key sections: task breakdown, hazards, controls, PPE, permits
- Legal and procedural requirements for SWMS documentation
- Industry expectations and best practices
4. Preparing to Develop a Site-Specific SWMS
- Reviewing project scope, site conditions, and job documentation
- Identifying relevant stakeholders: contractors, supervisors, engineers
- Determining the level of customisation required
5. Breaking Down the Electrical Task into Sequential Steps
- Listing each task stage clearly from start to finish
- Ensuring logical sequencing and accuracy
- Avoiding overgeneralised task descriptions
6. Identifying Hazards Associated with Each Step
- Common electrical hazards: arc flash, electric shock, induced voltages
- Physical and environmental hazards: access, dust, heights, confined spaces
- Human factors: fatigue, inexperience, poor communication
7. Applying the Hierarchy of Controls to Each Hazard
- Using elimination, substitution, and engineering controls where possible
- Incorporating administrative controls and PPE
- Documenting specific, actionable control measures
8. Assigning Responsibilities and Competencies
- Specifying who will perform each task and supervise the work
- Confirming required licences, training, and experience
- Ensuring responsibilities are clearly understood by the team
9. Consulting Workers in the Development of SWMS
- Conducting pre-work discussions and hazard brainstorming
- Recording input and feedback from electricians and apprentices
- Ensuring signatures of all personnel involved
10. Reviewing and Approving the SWMS Before Work Begins
- Supervisor or site manager approval protocols
- Coordinating with project manager or principal contractor
- Verifying that the SWMS aligns with permits and client requirements
11. Communicating the SWMS to the Work Team
- Conducting pre-start briefings and toolbox talks
- Explaining each section of the SWMS in plain language
- Ensuring comprehension through Q&A and sign-off
12. Implementing the SWMS on Site During Work Activities
- Ensuring physical application of identified controls
- Supervising adherence to safe methods and PPE use
- Reinforcing SWMS compliance through visual prompts and job aids
13. Monitoring Work Practices Against the SWMS
- Regular site inspections and task observations
- Identifying any deviation or non-compliance
- Providing real-time feedback and corrective actions
14. Updating the SWMS in Response to Changes
- Modifying tasks, hazards, or controls as site conditions evolve
- Re-consulting workers and re-briefing on updates
- Maintaining version control and date stamps
15. Managing Incidents and Emergency Procedures
- Including emergency response actions in the SWMS
- Coordinating with site emergency plans and evacuation points
- Reviewing incident causes and updating SWMS accordingly
16. Recordkeeping and Documentation Requirements
- Retaining completed SWMS for legal and audit purposes
- Linking SWMS to work orders, permits, and daily reports
- Ensuring digital or hard copy access for all team members
17. Auditing and Reviewing SWMS Implementation
- Conducting periodic SWMS audits for quality and compliance
- Gathering feedback from supervisors, electricians, and clients
- Identifying improvement opportunities
18. Promoting a Culture of Safe Work Method Planning
- Encouraging proactive use of SWMS as a planning tool
- Training workers to understand and value SWMS
- Recognising teams who consistently follow safe work methods
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”.