OHS Forms 618-1 Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)This Safe Work Method Statement lists the:• Main steps involved in the job;• Hazards likely to present at each step of the job;• Initial risk rating, i.e. the level of risk associated with this hazard if there were no safety controls put in place (using Form 903-4 Risk AssessmentTool);• Safety controls required to minimise the risk;• Residual risk rating, i.e. the level of risk remaining after the safety controls have been implemented (using Form 903-4 Risk Assessment Tool);• Other relevant safety information such as the training competencies required by people in this work activity; a list of plant & equipment used in thework (and its maintenance requirements); any external approvals required for the work and any relevant Codes of Practice or AustralianStandards.Form 903-4 Risk Assessment Tool is used to establish the risk ratings of identified hazards.FORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 2 of 14

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)Sequential steps ofthe workPotential HazardsInitialRiskScoreSafety Control MeasuresResidualRiskScoreBush regeneration byVolunteersUnfamiliar work location 5 • Volunteers to attend Volunteer Induction and Site Talk includingSafe Work Method Statement (SWMS) content and Site SpecificRisk Assessment (SSRA) prior to commencing work. Volunteersto sign Site Talk to acknowledge understanding of the SWMSand SSRA.• Volunteers are not to work on site without the Site Supervisor oralternate Council representative present.• The Site Supervisor or alternate Council representative is tohave a charged mobile phone on site at all times with theappropriate contacts stored in the phone. The phone should bechecked upon arrival at site to ensure mobile reception isavailable.• The site should be visually rechecked by the Site Supervisor oralternate Council representative before commencing work eachtime to assess if any new hazards have arisen since the SSRAwas completed. The SSRA should be amended as required anda new Site Talk delivered and signed.Traffic 1 • Volunteers to attend Volunteer Induction and Site Talk prior tocommencing work.• Friends of the Bush (FOB) Bushcare sites are not to be set up62FORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 3 of 14

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)where significant traffic hazards exist.• Site Supervisor to Volunteer ratio where minor traffic hazardexists (e.g. street tree planting) should be no greater than 1 SiteSupervisor to 8 Volunteers.• Where possible, work sites should be set up to avoid crossingroads. Report all incidents, hazards and near misses to SiteSupervisor.• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The SiteSupervisor will provide guidance with regard to the requiredPPE.• Report all incidents, hazards and near misses to SiteSupervisor.Working outdoors - Exposure 1 • Volunteers to attend Volunteer Induction and Site Talk prior tocommencing work.• Site Supervisors should use discretion in changing workactivities scheduled or cutting work short on days where weatherconditions are extreme (i.e. high wind, high temperatures etc.).• Seek shade where ever possible during warm weather.• Drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated.• Use appropriate PPE. The Site Supervisor will provide guidancewith regard to the required PPE.Manual Handling 2 • Volunteers to attend Volunteer Induction and Site Talk prior tocommencing work.13FORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 4 of 14

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)(e.g. lifting)• Volunteers to adopt manual handling postures and techniquesas instructed at induction.• Lift within your comfort zone and seek assistance when required.• Use a manual handling aid when possible (e.g. trolley).• Tools that are associated with this type of heavy work e.g.mattock, sledge hammer, are not distributed with normal loantools for Volunteers.Slips, trips and falls 1 • Volunteers to attend Volunteer Induction and Site Talk prior tocommencing work.• Visual inspection of area to identify uneven surfaces, damagedwalkways, stairs and fall risks.• Do not work on or near steep/unstable slope/cliff edges –maintain distance of 2 metres or more wherepossible/unguarded.• Do not leave cut stumps above ground level or angled wherepossible.• Use appropriate PPE. The Site Supervisor will provide guidancewith regard to the required PPE.• Report all incidents, hazards and near misses to Site Supervisor.4FORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 5 of 14

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)Sharp/rough items, overhangingvegetation (Cuts, abrasions, needlestick, eye injuries and falling objects)Animal hazards (snakes, spiders, ticksetc)2 • Volunteers to attend Volunteer Induction and Site Talk prior tocommencing work.• Visually inspect area to identify sharp corners and edges, sharpor protruding objects, overhanging wires or vegetation and lowrock outcrops and avoid contact or working beneath unstableobjects where possible.• Always check for discarded needles. Use hand tools for taskswith any perceived needlestick risks.• Volunteers are not permitted to pick up needles. Volunteersshould notify the Site Supervisor immediately, who will pick upthe needle using the appropriate PPE.• Ensure access to first aid kits.• Report all incidents, hazards and near misses to SiteSupervisor.• Use appropriate PPE. The Site Supervisor will provide guidancewith regard to the required PPE.1 • Volunteers to attend Volunteer Induction and Site Talk prior tocommencing work.• Visually inspect area for animal hazards.• Proceed with caution when entering area of long grass.• Insect repellent provided and used where appropriate (e.g. donot use if allergic or causes irritation).34FORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 6 of 14

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)Difficult, abusive and or aggressivepeople• Wear appropriate clothing (e.g. long pants, boots, etc.).• Ensure access to first aid kit.• Avoid areas where hives/nests are present if possible.• Site Supervisor to be first aid trained.• Be aware of allergies. Declare known allergies to SiteSupervisor and/or Council representative (e.g. to bee stings).• Take care when around animals (e.g. horses, cows, heathmonitors, water dragons, snakes etc.).• Use appropriate PPE. The Site Supervisor will provide guidancewith regard to the required PPE.• Report all incidents, hazards and near misses to SiteSupervisor.3 • Volunteers to attend Volunteer Induction and Site Talk prior tocommencing work.• Do not approach or talk to anyone who appears to be difficult,abusive or aggressive.• Do not enter an area when a threat of violence is evident.• If you are approached by someone behaving difficult, abusive oraggressive leave the area immediately and inform the SiteSupervisor of the incident.• The Site Supervisor is to report the incident to the Councilrepresentative as soon as practical.5FORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 7 of 14

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)Infectious diseases (Exposure tounhealthy/contaminated water/bodilyfluids)2 • Volunteers to attend Volunteer Induction and Site Talk prior tocommencing work.• Apply antibacterial gel/wash if contact occurs with potentiallycontaminated water.• Always check for discarded needles. Use hand tools for taskswith any perceived needlestick risks.• Volunteers are not permitted to pick up needles. Volunteersshould notify the Site Supervisor immediately, who will pick upthe needle using the appropriate PPE.• Use appropriate PPE. The Site Supervisor will provide guidancewith regard to the required PPE.• Report all incidents, hazards and near misses to SiteSupervisor.5Working alone 1 • Volunteers are not permitted to work on site without a SiteSupervisor or Council representative being present.6Using Hand toolsPortable tools/hand tools (pinchpoints, blunt force injury, sharp edges)1 • Volunteers to attend Volunteer Induction and Site Talk prior tocommencing work.• Bush regeneration tools not supplied by Council are to beinspected by the Site Supervisor prior to being used on site.• Maintain tools in good order. Do not use damaged tools.• Keep fingers clear of pinch points.3FORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 8 of 14

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)• Ensure access to first aid kit.• Use appropriate PPE. The Site Supervisor will provide guidancewith regard to the required PPE.• Report all incidents, hazards and near misses to SiteSupervisor.Herbicide useHazardous Substances (Chemicalexposure)3 • Volunteers to attend Volunteer Induction and Site Talk prior tocommencing work.• Eliminate the use of chemicals if possible.• Substitute chemicals with a non hazardous substance ifpossible.• Volunteers may only use Council supplied Round Up Biactive (orCouncil approved equivalent) herbicide.• Current (

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)Supervisor.OHS Training & QualificationsStaff PositionVolunteers, Site Supervisors and CouncilrepresentativesVolunteers, Site Supervisors and CouncilrepresentativesVolunteersSite SupervisorSite Supervisor and Council representativesSite Supervisor and Council representativesCouncil representativesOHS Training & Qualifications required for this PositionSite Specific Risk Assessment for the work areaManual Handling (provided to Volunteers during Induction for Bushcare Volunteers)Induction Training for Bushcare Volunteers (Volunteer Induction)First Aid CertificateSelection, use and maintenance of PPESafe Work Method Statement trainingAccredited training for use of herbicides and pesticidesWarringah Corporate OHS InductionPlant & EquipmentPlant or Equipment used in the work Maintenance Check Interval Responsible PersonFORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 10 of 14

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)• Hand tools • Prior to use • User• First Aid Kit • Monthly • Nominated first aider(Council representative/SiteSupervisor)• Mobile phones • Prior to use • User• PPE: High visibility clothing (long sleeveshirt and pants, safety boots, safety glasses,gloves, mask, sunscreen, broad brim hat,sun glassesEngineering Details / Certificates / WorkCover Approvals Required For The WorkNone applicable for this work activity• PPE cleaned and stored as per manufacturersrecommendations.• EmployeeCodes Of Practice / Standards Relevant To The Work• OHS Act 2000• OHS Regulation 2001• AS/NZS ISO 31000 Risk Management• NSW WorkCover Guide Health and Safety in the Office Guide 2004• NSW WorkCover Guide First Aid in the WorkplaceFORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 11 of 14

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)• NSW WorkCover Guide Preventing Slips, Trips & Falls• NSW WorkCover Guide Prevention & Management of Workplace Aggression• NOHSC 2007 (1994) National Code of Practice Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances• OMS 840 Difficult Behaviour – Response GuidelinesFORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 12 of 14

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)These assessment questions relateto Safe Work Method Statement:Bushcare by Supervised VolunteersThe Group Manager /Manager must provide instruction in all aspects of the Safe Work MethodStatements relevant to the Service.After the SWMS has been discussed the staff member must complete the following assessment.The Group Manager /Manager should then review the answers with the employee and provideassistance to ensure adequate understanding.Q1List 5 hazards identified for volunteers caring for bushland?1-2-Q23-4-5-Can volunteers work alone in isolated areas?Q3Q4Q5List 4 safety control measures for slips/trips & falls?1-2-3-4-List 4 safety control measures for contact with lifting?1-2-3-4-Can you use your own tools for Bushcare?Q6What should you do if you see someone acting strangely near your work area?FORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 13 of 14

OHSForms 618-1Safe Work MethodStatements (SWMS)Q7Identify a safety control measure for working on uneven ground.Q8List the 2 OHS Training & Qualifications Required for all people in this Position?Q91-2-List 2 codes of practice/standards relevant to the work area1-2-Completed by:I have been provided instruction in the content of this Safe Work Method Statement and I agree to complywith these requirements when working in Warringah Council Sites.Employee Name: Signature: Date:Assessed by:Group Manager / /Manager Name:Date:Signature:Record keeping:This completed assessment form is to be retained in the Service’s OHS container in TRIM.FORM 618-1 / SD 016CorporateGroup Manager Human ResourcesWarringah Council OHS Procedure July 2009Uncontrolled document when printed. Refer toWarringah Council’s Intranet for current issue.Version 04Review September 2013Page 14 of 14