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

Why Refresher Training Matters

By admin • May 18, 2026
At BeSafe Victoria, we love seeing how much our Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) get out of returning for Refresher Training. There is no doubt in our minds that HSR Refresher Training is really valuable, and we absolutely love seeing old and new participants come in to share their experiences too. There have been significant changes to legislation and OHS requirements and most recently the introduction of the Psychological Health Regulations. We now deliver the brand new WorkSafe Approved Refresher Course focusing on Psychosocial Hazards and have seen how beneficial this new course is to HSRs, who take their new-found knowledge back to their workplaces. HSRs play a vital role in protecting the wellbeing of their colleagues. They are the bridge between workers and management, ensuring that safety concerns are heard, understood, and acted upon. While completing the Initial HSR Training is a great start, refresher training is just as important and in fact, it’s an entitlement under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 for all HSRs and deputy HSRs. 1. Keeping Knowledge Current Workplace safety laws, industry standards, and best practices evolve over time. Annual refresher training ensures HSRs stay up to date with: Changes to OHS legislation in Victoria New hazard control methods and technologies Updated WorkSafe guidance and compliance expectations This means HSRs can confidently apply the most current safety strategies in their workplace. 2. Strengthening Confidence and Skills Even the most experienced HSR can benefit from revisiting core principles. Refresher courses: Reinforce understanding of the role of HSRs Provide practical tools for effective consultation and issue resolution Build confidence in raising and addressing safety concerns 3. Creating Space for Real-World Problem Solving Refresher training offers a collaborative environment where HSRs can: Share experiences and challenges with peers from other workplaces Learn from real-life case studies Explore solutions to complex safety issues This peer-to-peer learning often sparks new ideas that can be applied immediately back on the job. 4. Strengthening Workplace Safety Culture When HSRs are well-trained and confident, they inspire others to take safety seriously. Regular refreshers: Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement Encourage open conversations about hazards Help embed safety as a shared responsibility across the workplace Your Right to Attend In Victoria, HSRs are entitled to attend a one-day refresher training each year, and employers must allow this. Choosing a WorkSafe-approved provider ensures the training meets standards and delivers practical, relevant content. Employers who encourage attendance know that HSR refresher training isn’t just a box to tick, it’s an investment in safer, healthier workplaces. By keeping skills sharp and knowledge current, HSRs can continue to be strong advocates for their colleagues and champions of workplace safety. They can play a key role in helping the employer to ensure the workplace is safe and to be compliant with consultation obligations under the OHS Act. At BeSafe, we can deliver training throughout Victoria. We have listed courses on our website, but these are only the tip of the iceberg! We can book in courses on demand in any location and we can even come and deliver a course on-site at your workplace. Don't forget we also offer free support after your course too!  Get in touch with us: 0407002060 info@besafevictoria.com.au

International Workers Memorial Day

By admin • May 5, 2026
On 28 April 2026 , BeSafe joined those gathered at Argyle Square, Carlton , to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) in Melbourne. The ceremony honoured those who have lost their lives due to workplace injury or illness and renewed a shared commitment to safer, healthier workplaces. The service began with speeches made by The Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) Luke Hilikari, Premier Jacinta Allen, WorkSafe CEO Cathy Henderson and Lived Experience Advocate Lana Cormie. Assistant Secretary of VTHC Wil Stracke was the MC for the occasion and the Trade Union Choir sang throughout. The most moving part of the service was, as always, the boot laying ceremony. This year, 60 pairs of boots were laid to represent the workers lost in the past 12 months. Finally, a rose was laid to represent those who are not counted - in recognition that the numbers are vastly underestimated and many workplace deaths are not recorded in the official statistics. The vision of 60 pairs of boots sitting upon stools in the park is profoundly tragic and deeply moving. A minutes silence marked the moment. This was followed by attendees laying wreaths to honour the fallen workers. The speeches included messages of regret and sorrow, but also a call to action – as we can only truly honour the dead if we take action to ensure the safety of the workers of the future.  “ Honour the dead, and fight like hell for the living .” At BeSafe, we are passionate about workers’ safety and we will continue to do anything we can to improve the safety of all Victorian workplaces. For more on this: Strong union message at workers’ memorial — Independent Education Union Victoria Tasmania STRONG MESSAGE TO COMMEMORATE FALLEN WORKERS ON IWMD - OHS Reps