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

The Granville Train Disaster

By admin • January 12, 2026
The Granville rail disaster occurred on 18 January 1977 and remains the deadliest rail incident in Australian history. It resulted in the death of 84 people and injured a further 213. The train left the Blue Mountains at 6:09 on 18 th January 1977 and by the time it reached Sydney there were at least 469 passengers on board. At 8:10 the train derailed on a curve in a deep cutting at Granville and it hit the supports of the Bold St Bridge. This resulted in the bridge collapsing onto the train carriages and the passengers inside. The result was catastrophic loss of life and vast numbers of injuries, with many passengers and rescuers suffering from ongoing trauma. The train crash would expose inadequacies in the NSW railway maintenance processes, oversight and emergency response preparedness. The inquest and reviews into the incident became controversial in that there were allegations that the process was unduly influenced. Despite this it was clear that there were many opportunities for prevention of future railway disasters. There has been extensive criticism of the management and oversight both before and after the disaster.  There is much that is concerning about this case, including the support of those injured and bereaved in the incident. The failure to act following previous incidents on the track is particularly disturbing. There had been two previous derailments on the same section of track, resulting in trains hitting the Bold St Bridge. One in 1967 and another in 1975. Had the issue been addressed on either of these occasions, perhaps the disaster in 1877 would have been avoided. This highlights the importance of investigating incidents and ‘near misses’ and acting to resolve safety issues at the earliest opportunity. 40 years after the disaster, in 2017, the Premier of NSW delivered a belated official apology on behalf of the Government: Granville: Mixed response as NSW Government apologises for Australia's worst train disaster - ABC News An award winning docu-drama named “The Day Of The Roses” was produced as a dramatic depiction of the events surrounding the Granville train crash. It can be found here: https://youtu.be/ZkFBfQA9oxg?si=g_ePZ0kn0KpFrLLE . Those interested in incident investigation, prevention and related matters may well find it thought-provoking.

Snakes in the workplace

By admin • December 15, 2025
Snakes are a natural part of the Australian environment, but when they enter worksites, they can pose significant risks. Snakes are most commonly encountered in industries such as construction and agriculture, but snakes can appear in any workplace – including in offices, warehouses, outdoor work areas, or storage spaces. Warm weather increases snake activity, making encounters more likely during summer months. The danger presented by snakes is very real, as snakebites can cause serious injury or death. Common Risk Factors There are certain workplace conditions which increase the likelihood of snakes appearing: Vacant sites : Snakes often move into quiet areas during holiday breaks or weekends. Shelter opportunities : Stored materials, rubble, sheds, and equipment provide dark, cool hiding spots. Food sources : Mice, frogs, and other small animals attract snakes to worksites. Hot weather : Snakes become bolder and more active in summer. Prevention Strategies As always, employers are required to reduce risks to health and safety in the workplace. They can do this by adopting proactive measures: Site housekeeping : Remove rubbish, debris, and unused materials where snakes could hide. Control food sources : Limit rodent and frog populations by managing waste and water. Protective gear : Wear gloves, boots and long pants when working outside or handling stored materials. Awareness training : Inform workers about snake risks, especially after site closures or during hot weather. First Aid training: ensure staff are trained in the initial response in the case of a bite. If a snake is seen in the workplace One of the most important safety messages is never provoke a snake. Most bites occur when people attempt to attack or handle snakes. If a snake is sighted: Stop work in the area immediately. Report the sighting to supervisors. Contact local authorities or licensed snake catchers to remove the hazard. First Aid for Snake Bites Your workplace should have a trained First Aider. The initial first aid for a bite should include: Lie the person down and keep them still. Applying a broad, firm bandage around the bitten limb, about as tightly as for a sprained ankle. Bandage over the bite site first and then bandage as much of the limb as possible, starting from below upwards. Keep the victim still and calm and splint the limb if possible. Do not cut, wash, or apply a tourniquet to the bite. Access immediate medical care - dial 000. Don’t forget that you will need to complete an incident report after a snake bite has occurred. Then, your risk management follow up processes should be followed. A snake bite may be classified as a notifiable incident, in which case it must be reported to WorkSafe Victoria – call 13 23 60 . Conclusion Snakes are a real workplace hazard , especially in construction, agriculture, and outdoor industries. If your workplace is high risk for snakes then you are required to control the risk of snake bite. Prevention and awareness are the best defence: keep sites clean, reduce food sources, and train workers. Never provoke a snake —leave removal to professionals. First aid knowledge can save lives in the event of a bite. By treating snakes as a legitimate occupational hazard, workplaces can protect their workers from a potentially fatal hazard. For more information, see the following resources: Snakes at work: why you should never handle one yourself | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au Snakes on sites - OHS Reps Notifiable incidents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 | WorkSafe Victoria https://stjohn.org.au/app/uploads/2025/08/Fact-sheets_snake-bite.pdf