A safe work method statement (SWMS) is a safety planning document that must be developed for work that is considered high risk construction work under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulation 2017.

A SWMS is a document that sets out the high risk construction work (HRCW) to be carried out at a workplace, the hazards arising from these activities, and the measures to be put in place to control the risks. SWMS must be prepared before HRCW commences.

A method statement is a type of health and safety document that people usually use for high-risk work. It describes the steps (method) that workers must take to carry out a particular job safely. Primarily, they are for the benefit of those who will physically be carrying out the work, usually those working in the construction sector.

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities to be carried out at a workplace, the hazards arising from these activities, and the measures to be put in place to control the risks.

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a formal and often legal document which outlines the specific requirements involved with performing a specific high risk activity.