Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

Safe Work Method Statements
Safe work method statements, known also as safe operating procedures or job
safety analyses (may be named differently in your sector of the industry) are
particularly important when planning and implementing work. They specify
methods of carrying out certain types of work activities, tasks or hazardous
work. The OHS committee and/or OHS representative can be involved in
their development.
SECTION TWO
Safety Matters A Guide for Workplace OHS Representatives
A safe work method statement is itself a type of checklist. It is used to describe
the job that has to be done. It can be used to anticipate possible health and
safety issues and to program work effectively. Safe work method statements can
also assist in quality assurance and meeting legal or contractual requirements.
The aims of a safe work method statement are to:
• describe the task or job to be done
• identify the physical and human resources and skills required
• identify the health, safety and welfare hazards associated with the task
• assess and select hazard controls as appropriate
• systematically plan the job so it can be completed efficiently and effectively.
Safe work method statements should:
• be developed and documented prior to the commencement of a job
• involve consultation with employees
• incorporate risk assessment results
• explain job procedures in a logical step-by-step order
• be read and understood by the employees, before commencing work
• be signed by the employees, once it has been read and understood
• be included as part of an employee’s induction training
• become part of the organisation’s safety plan
• be written in plain English with minimal jargon and presented in a suitable
format (eg. pro-forma charts or forms).
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RAIL
Monitoring OHS Programs and Procedures
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TRAM AND BUS
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