Safe Work Method Statement: why build a method statement?
Employers, no matter the sector they're in, are actually in charge of guaranteeing the safety and security of their own workers whilst working. They're the ones who have to oversee that an acceptable as well as practical safe system of work is created in conformity with the Health and Safety at Work Act. For work or non-routine activities which are considered to be hazardous, a contractor must write a Safe Work Method Statement or perhaps SWMS. What on earth is an SWMS and what information is covered inside it? Why is this significant?
A method statement is a document which describes in detail the sequence in which tasks or activities at the work place are performed. An SWMS also:
- Provides step-by-step instructions on how a job can be executed in a very secure and efficient way.
- Determine the risks associated for an activity or perhaps task and after that produce solutions to control these kinds of dangers
Information included in a method statement will be based hugely on the size and/or the complexness of the job or work concerned.
What Is The Purpose OF A METHOD STATEMENT?
Although many of us are aware of just how method statements are needed for many market sectors, only a few understand the intent behind making it. A method statement is actually produced to ensure that the worker or employee designated to a high-risk job is:
- Able to execute the tasks in an organized as well as meticulous manner
- Able to have an understanding of the hazards and risks that are included with each phase of the job
- Able to use control precautions that are made specifically to minimize the risk of accidents, accidental injuries and health risks
- Able to carry out the task safely and securely
Because a method statement is actually part of a company's safety management system, it must be created in sequential manner and must cover every part of the task to be completed. Contractors should understand the value of writing this kind of document in a vocabulary which is straightforward by everybody as well. Using huge phrases and words will only be ineffective if not everyone can understand it; you won't have the ability to easily communicate laws and regulations to the employees if you are using complex vocabulary. Therefore, keep things uncomplicated.
After the method statement is done, the contractors should provide the individual in charge of the job a duplicate of the document. The content should be relayed to the workers undertaking the task. The building contractors should make sure that the method statement is 100 % understood by everybody in the job site. If there are any adjustments done on the official document, it should be recorded as well as communicated to all relevant parties in the job.
Method statements can be created by the contractor or perhaps the firm can easily assign someone who is well-versed with all the job to write it. However, there are actually businesses that specialize in making pre-made method statements for all industries. A good example of this would be Occupational Safety which caters to Australia-based businesses and companies. You can visit their site to learn more regarding composing method statements.