In Western Australia, if your business does high risk construction work, you need a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) before the work starts. WA moved to the national model WHS laws in 2022, so the SWMS rules now match most of Australia. There are a couple of WA-specific things to know, especially if you work on mine sites.
SWMS in WA at a glance
- Law: the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA), with two sets of regulations: the WHS (General) Regulations 2022 and the WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022. Both require a SWMS before high risk construction work starts.
- Regulator: WorkSafe WA
- Workers’ compensation: through approved insurers, with WorkCover WA overseeing the scheme
- Who needs a SWMS: any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) doing high risk construction work, including sole traders
- High risk construction work: the same 18 types as the rest of the WHS states. See the full list in our SWMS in Australia guide
What changed for WA tradies in 2022?
Before 2022, WA ran under its own Occupational Safety and Health laws. Since the WHS laws started in WA in 2022, SWMS requirements line up with Queensland, NSW and most other states. In practice, that means:
- the same 18 types of high risk construction work trigger a SWMS
- the same minimum contents: the work, the hazards and risks, the controls, and how the controls are put in place, monitored and reviewed
- the same duties: prepare it before work starts, give it to the principal contractor, follow it, review it and keep it
- older WA safety templates written under the old OSH laws should be checked and updated to the WHS wording
Working on a mine site?
Lots of WA trades work on mine sites. WorkSafe WA notes that the WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022 also require a SWMS for high risk construction work. Mine sites usually add their own site rules, inductions and paperwork on top, so check what the mine operator or principal contractor needs before you mobilise.
Small jobs: “work of a minor nature”
WorkSafe WA says a SWMS is not required for work of a minor nature, and points to Safe Work Australia’s information sheet on what that means. Be careful with this one. It’s narrower than most people think, and if the job involves any of the 18 high risk activities, it’s safest to assume you need a SWMS. If you’re unsure, give us a call.
What a WA SWMS must include
- the work that is high risk construction work
- the hazards and the risks to health and safety
- the controls you will use
- how those controls will be put in place, monitored and reviewed
Keep it specific to the site and task. Name exact controls, not “use appropriate PPE”. WorkSafe WA publishes an information sheet and a free SWMS template you can start from, but like any template it has to be made site-specific.
Three ways to get your SWMS sorted
- Do it yourself in the Projects One app: step by step on your phone, site-specific, signed on site. See the SWMS app.
- We write it for you: a SWMS for your actual job and site. SWMS done for you.
- Prefer paper? We’ll prepare it and send it ready to sign. Paper safety documents.
Talk to a real person
We help tradies right around Australia, including WA. We talk tradie, not acronyms. Call us and we’ll tell you what your business actually needs.
WA SWMS FAQs
Does WorkSafe WA have a SWMS template?
Yes. WorkSafe WA publishes a high risk construction work SWMS template and an information sheet on its SWMS page. Fill it in for your specific site and task.
Are WA SWMS rules the same as Queensland or NSW now?
Very close. Since 2022 WA uses the model WHS laws, so the high risk construction work list, minimum contents and duties line up. The main differences are the regulator, workers’ compensation and WA’s separate Mines Regulations.
Is a SWMS the same as a Risk Assessment (JSA) or a Take 5?
No. A SWMS is required by law for high risk construction work. A Risk Assessment (some people call it a JSA or JHA) or a Take 5 is useful, but it doesn’t replace a SWMS. See SWMS vs Risk Assessment vs Take 5.
Do sole traders in WA need a SWMS?
Yes, if they do high risk construction work. A sole trader is still a PCBU. See Do sole traders need a SWMS?
General information based on WorkSafe WA’s Safe work method statement for high risk construction work guidance and the WHS (General) and (Mines) Regulations 2022 (WA). It isn’t legal advice. For your situation, call us or WorkSafe WA.