SWMS, HRCW & HSRs

admin • April 29, 2025

HSRs should be involved when a SWMS is prepared for HRCW.


Who doesn’t love an acronym?


Let’s start with some definitions...


SWMS stands for Safe Work Method Statement. This is a document which must be prepared before any HRCW commences. It sets out how the HRCW is going to be carried out at the workplace. It includes an outline of the hazards involved and what control measures are to be put in place to control the risks.


HRCW stands for High Risk Construction Work. It is defined in Regulation 322 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 :


In this Part, "high risk construction work" means any of the following construction work—

    (a)  where there is a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres;

    (b)  on telecommunications towers;

    (c)  involving demolition;

    (d)  involving the removal or likely disturbance of asbestos;

    (e)  involving structural alterations that require temporary support to prevent collapse;

    (f)  involving a confined space;

    (g)  involving a trench or shaft if the excavated depth is more than 1·5 metres;

    (h)  involving a tunnel;

    (i)  involving the use of explosives;

    (j)  on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping;

    (k)  on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines;

    (l)  on or near energised electrical installations or services;

    (m)  in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere;

    (n)  involving tilt-up or precast concrete;

    (o)  on or adjacent to roadways or railways used by road or rail traffic;

    (p)  at workplaces where there is any movement of powered mobile plant;

    (q)  in an area where there are artificial extremes of temperature;

    (r)  in, over or adjacent to water or other liquids where there is a risk of drowning;

    (s)  involving diving.


“Construction Work” means "any work performed in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, refurbishment, decommissioning, or demolition of any building or structure, or any similar activity."


So, what role can HSRs play when it comes to SWMS?

Health and safety representatives play a key role in the safety of their workplaces, including in relation to SWMS:


  • As with all Health and Safety matters, the HSRs can and should be involved if the work affects their designated work group (DWG).
  • As part of their legislated duties, the employer must consult with the employees and their HSRs.
  • The HSR can play and important role in reviewing the SWMS and raising any concerns from their DWG.
  • If conditions change, or if risks are not adequately controlled, then a SWMS must be reviewed. HSR’s are well placed to detect when this is the case and therefore bring this to the attention of their employer.
  • HSRs and their workmates in their DWG are the best people to help in designing and reviewing SWMS, as they are the ones actually doing the work.
  • They will have hands-on knowledge of how the job is done, any relevant site-specific factors, what hazards and risks are present, how best to control them and know if conditions change on-site (eg: weather).
  • HSRs may also be able to help ensure that their co-workers fully understand the SWMS and are ready to go and do their work safely.



After all, the purpose of the SWMS is to ensure that they are safe while they do their work!


For further reading, there is some great material on this topic at:

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) | WorkSafe Victoria

Bushfire

By admin • January 27, 2026
Australia is a fire-prone country, and workplaces in many areas are at risk of being impacted by bushfires in some way. The effects of bushfires may include direct exposure to fire, as well as smoke exposure and psychological impacts. As with any workplace hazard, employers have a duty to manage and control the risk of injury. A bushfire risk assessment should therefore be undertaken. Through this process, employers should: Identify whether there is a potential bushfire hazard Assess the risk of bushfires affecting the health and safety of workers, including smoke exposure Identify appropriate control measures Review control measures to ensure they are effective and that no new hazards have been introduced Consultation with workers should occur at each stage of this process. When developing a bushfire risk assessment and policy, employers should consider the following: How will fire danger ratings be monitored throughout the bushfire season? How vulnerable is the workplace location? What actions will be taken on days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger? Are there workers who travel for work or spend significant time on the road? Are there workers who operate alone or in isolated locations? What emergency and evacuation plans are in place? Once a bushfire policy has been developed in consultation with workers, appropriate training must be provided. Employers are legally required to ensure workers receive the necessary information, instruction, and training to remain safe at work, including in relation to bushfire risks. For more information, take a look at: Working outside - Working near bushfires | Safe Work Australia

HSRs rights to training

By admin • January 19, 2026
Under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 , Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) are not required to be trained in order to exercise their powers. However, in order to fully understand their role and powers, training is highly beneficial and recommended by WorkSafe. Most HSRs will not understand how to make the most of their role as an HSR without participating in training – and therefore it is not until training has been completed that an HSR can maximise their positive impact upon the safety of their workplace. HSRs rights in relation to training are outlined under Section 67 of the OHS Act. They include: The right to attend initial training after being elected The right to attend a refresher course at least once a year The right to choose their course. This includes their course provider and course* The right for their course to be paid for by their employer, as well as associated costs with attending the course The right to be paid while attending the course *The course must be approved by WorkSafe and delivered by a WorkSafe approved provider, such as BeSafe. The HSR must consult with their employer and give 14 days notice. Section 69 of the OHS Act also discusses further the rights of HSR to training. This covers the right to attend additional training, when WorkSafe has approved them under Section 69 . HSRs have a right to attend these courses on top of the s67 courses. HSRs can be a very useful resource for employers in helping to create safe and healthy workplaces. It is in their best interest to encourage their HSRs to be trained. However, in the case where an employer does not allow the HSR to be trained as per the requirements under The Act, there are penalties which apply to this conduct, as it is a breach of the Legislation. For more information take a look at: Health and safety representative training | WorkSafe Victoria HSRs' Right to Training - OHS Reps Or get in contact with us for assistance: 0467002060 HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria You can book WorkSafe approved courses with us at HSR Training Courses | BeSafe | Regional Victoria