WHS / OHS Management Systems Adelaide

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal document outlining the required safety measures and controls for high-risk work activities. It’s specific, mandatory, and often used in industries like construction, where high-risk tasks are routine.

A Job Safety Analysis (JSA), on the other hand, is a broader risk assessment tool used to break down individual tasks within any job, identify potential hazards, and determine control measures. JSAs are often part of an overall risk management plan and applicable across various industries.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a step-by-step guide for completing tasks safely and consistently. SOPs are detailed, focusing on the exact processes and procedures that ensure quality and safety, and they can be applied to many activities, regardless of risk level.

Depending on your industry and the nature of your work, you may need all three to ensure comprehensive safety. SWMS is mandatory for high-risk work, while JSAs and SOPs add depth to your safety management system. JSAs help with task-specific risk assessment, and SOPs provide detailed instructions for safe and consistent task completion. Together, they form a well-rounded safety strategy, reducing risks and promoting regulatory compliance across all levels of your operations.

The WHS Act places the primary responsibility for creating SWMS, JSAs, and SOPs on the PCBU or Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking. PCBUs are legally obligated to protect the health and safety of workers and others in the workplace by implementing effective risk management strategies.

By developing and maintaining these documents, PCBUs can fulfill their duty of care, proactively addressing risks and ensuring the safety of all workplace activities.

SWMS, JSAs, and SOPs should be reviewed whenever there’s a significant change in procedures, equipment, or the workplace environment. Regular reviews are essential—at least annually, or more frequently in high-risk industries or dynamic workplaces. Staying up-to-date helps to address any emerging hazards and ensures compliance with current safety standards.

Templates can be useful as a starting point, but customisation is essential to address specific hazards in your workplace. Templates must be adapted to reflect the unique risks and safety requirements of your operations, as generic templates may overlook critical details. Ensuring that templates are thoroughly tailored helps meet both compliance standards and your team’s practical needs.

A WHS advisor like WLSS can provide valuable guidance in creating, reviewing, and updating SWMS, JSAs, and SOPs. They bring expertise to ensure documents meet all regulatory requirements and are effectively tailored to your operations. We also help identify hazards and establish control measures, creating robust safety documents that support compliance and reduce workplace risks.