I need a small tip who knew Safety Work Method Statements...

[marcusliebe]

I was at work the other day and I overheard my superior and some co-workers talking about something called “SWMS.” I never heard of such a thing so I decided to ask them. All that my superior said was “You better find out because I’ll be asking you to write one later on.”

Well, here I am trying to find out what it is. I could do a Google search and get me my answers right away but I also want to get input from people who have actually written these things.
So I ask... what is an SWMS? What’s it for and how do you write it? Do you need to follow a format?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[brightspark]

I was at work the other day and I overheard my superior and some co-workers talking about something called “SWMS.” I never heard of such a thing so I decided to ask them. All that my superior said was “You better find out because I’ll be asking you to write one later on.”

Well, here I am trying to find out what it is. I could do a Google search and get me my answers right away but I also want to get input from people who have actually written these things.
So I ask... what is an SWMS? What’s it for and how do you write it? Do you need to follow a format?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!

safe working method statements u can buy them for every trade of the net

 

[zardoz]

State what job it is you intend to do. Then start date, completion date and time, and site address. Then name any possible hazzards that might be involved (electric shock, getting flattened by a stacker truck, poisoned, set on fire, whatever?) Any safety PPE needed. Also any Permits to work and written procedures.

Then state how you would do the job in a safe manner. (put up hazzard signs, barriers etc, make sure everyone knows where fire extinguishers are, who is the nearest works appointed first aid person,etc)

 

[Pete.]

If you have not been trained in how to produce one they have no business requiring you to do it.

A method statement isn't a legal requirement anyway - but a risk assessment is!

 

[madkayaker]

As above if you have had no training then you don't do it. If you do and something happens they might try and shift the blame onto you

 

[waldershelf]

If you have not been trained in how to produce one they have no business requiring you to do it.

A method statement isn't a legal requirement anyway - but a risk assessment is!

If you have an accident at work and get a visit from the HSE inspector the very first thing he will say is "Can I see the risk assessment, method statement and permit to work please" Its called a Safe System Of Work and it is a legal requirement. There are of course ways and means and in many instances generic documents and policy statements can satisfy some of the requirements but there is no escaping the law. As others have pointed out you must have suitable and sufficient training to carry out risk assessments and method statements or you and your employer could end up in trouble should the brown stuff come in contact with the rapidly revolving air mover.

And the OP's supervisor sounds like a first class jerk coming out with stupid statements like the one in the first post, the HSE would have a field day with him and his attitude.

 

[zx9]

If you have an accident at work and get a visit from the HSE inspector the very first thing he will say is "Can I see the risk assessment, method statement and permit to work please" Its called a Safe System Of Work and it is a legal requirement. There are of course ways and means and in many instances generic documents and policy statements can satisfy some of the requirements but there is no escaping the law. As others have pointed out you must have suitable and sufficient training to carry out risk assessments and method statements or you and your employer could end up in trouble should the brown stuff come in contact with the rapidly revolving air mover.

And the OP's supervisor sounds like a first class jerk coming out with stupid statements like the one in the first post, the HSE would have a field day with him and his attitude.

My thoughts exactly OP's manager sounds like a typical bullying mushroom farmer. If you are working for a large organisation can you go over your manager's head and request appropriate training. Request to see the RA and MS for the job you are currently working on, they can not stop you seeing it as it should have been discussed before work commenced on site, I would say bring it up at the tool box talks but I doubt you have them.
Do not attempt to lash up a RA / MS it will either be rejected by the site agent or used to point blame if something should go wrong.

 

[pedrobedro]

Where do you work and are you an employee or self employed sub contractor?

 

[Hitch]

I quite often end up rewriting the ones I'm given once I get to the job.

We use a tick box page for most of the risks, then a separate area below too highlight any additional risks.
The method statement comes hand. Brief description of the works... location, duration, times, dates, then a section to break down stages of the work, contact details for me, the company, site manager, etc....

Emergency info should it be required is useful to have on it, and looks good when you ask for it if its not been issued previously.

Finally, a place for everyone to sign at the bottom, confirming they will adhere to it.

 

[Pete.]

If you have an accident at work and get a visit from the HSE inspector the very first thing he will say is "Can I see the risk assessment, method statement and permit to work please" Its called a Safe System Of Work and it is a legal requirement. There are of course ways and means and in many instances generic documents and policy statements can satisfy some of the requirements but there is no escaping the law. As others have pointed out you must have suitable and sufficient training to carry out risk assessments and method statements or you and your employer could end up in trouble should the brown stuff come in contact with the rapidly revolving air mover.

And the OP's supervisor sounds like a first class jerk coming out with stupid statements like the one in the first post, the HSE would have a field day with him and his attitude.

You can adopt a safe system of work without the MS and permit, though you better be sure you can prove what you've put in place is adequate - but you must by law have done a risk assessment.
Incidentally, you don't need any qualifications to write a method statement or risk assessment, anyone can do it, but it must be checked and signed off by someone competent.

I tell you what - there's nothing more scary than facing a HSE prosecution because they don't even start one unless they know they'll win. I have first-hand knowledge of what happens in the event of an accident as I had to give evidence at a coroner's enquiry when a guy standing right next to me was killed. The HSE had FOUR people there building a case and I had a good long chat with the guy in charge.

 

[piman]

Hello Pete,

and by some quirk of the law, if you are charged you need to prove your innocence, they (HSE) do not need to prove guilt.

Alec

 

[Pete.]

Yes indeed, you have to prove you complied with the law, whereas in criminal law they have to prove you didn't.

It makes sense once you've thought about it because it forces people to have to do something or face the consequences, whereas if it was the other way round it would be very difficult to develop a culture of doing things safely.

 

[tlovatt]

Yes indeed, you have to prove you complied with the law, whereas in criminal law they have to prove you didn't. .

H&S law is criminal law (as opposed to Civil law) and for a prosecution the HSE have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you broke the law (as opposed to balance of probability used under civil law). If someone is killed or seriously injured then they do have a strong case, not because you have to prove your innocence, but rather that there is a strong evidence that you did not protect workers from risk.

Its a bit like catching a murderer standing over the body with a knife in their hand, the CPS still have to prove guilt, its just rather easy!

To get prosecuted by the HSE you normally have to be very daft or very negligent, it is much more common for people to be hit with enforcement notices etc that to be taken to court. It should also be kept in mind that 98% of HSE prosecutions are against companies not individuals, also method statements are not required under legislation.

Risk assessments should be conducted for all activities, and where 5 or more people are involved in performing the work (as opposed to ancillary to it such as H&S supervisors etc) then the risk assessment should be documented.

Even give the HSEs powers and all the legislation, it is not them that are most feared by businesses, its the insurance companies as civil claims normally dwarf the fines imposed under criminal law - 2 or 3 big civil claims and companies will no longer be able to get insurance and so will have to cease trading.

 

[marcusliebe]

So much to read! Thank you for all the effort in giving out your opinions. It is very much appreciated.

Mod:Advertising link Removed

 

[111john111]

Safety Work Method Statement

Hi
New to the forum. I have completed hundreds of safety method statements and I have a blank form that covers most small and medium size work contracts.
Hope it helps! http://www.abbeygates.co.uk/our-safety-method-statement/ The most important things in carrying out SWMS are common sense, experience and ascertaining any risks or hazards pertaining to the particular company or site that you intend carrying out your works.

Also take into consideration what hazards your particular works could interact with in the place of work eg. If working in a whisky distillery you learn from the safety officer what areas are restricted and what is needed in the way of fire-watchers, extinguishers, fire-blankets and hot works permits as you are working close to large quantities of flammable volatile liquids or if working in a medical facility what impact would noise and dust have on or near your work area.

It is all about communication, seeking approval from the ultimately responsible person and if you are in a supervisory role, you are responsible to make sure that all your operatives are equally briefed and aware.