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

NEW HSR Refresher OHS Training Course - Aggression or Violence

By admin • August 10, 2026
BeSafe Victoria is pleased to announce the upcoming delivery of a new Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Refresher OHS Training Course focused on Aggression and Violence in the workplace . This is a brand new WorkSafe developed training course, which equips HSRs with practical knowledge and skills to address one of the most significant psychosocial hazards facing Victorian workplaces today. Workplace aggression and violence can occur in any industry and the impacts can be both physical and psychological, not only affecting the person directly involved but also those who witness or are exposed to these incidents. Impacts also extend beyond the workplace to affect family and community. The new course explores aggression and violence through a risk management lens, building skills in hazard identification, assessing risks, finding effective controls and in contributing to effective workplace consultation. The training aligns with the growing emphasis on managing psychosocial hazards and reflects contemporary workplace health and safety expectations, including the management of aggression and violence as a workplace risk. The knowledge gained is important in ensuring that legal obligations, including those relating to the Psychological Health Regulations, are met and that workplaces are safe. As always, BeSafe Victoria is committed to providing engaging, practical and relevant training. This new refresher course offers an excellent opportunity for participants to strengthen their knowledge, build confidence in addressing workplace risks and return to their workplaces with practical strategies for supporting safer work environments. Bookings for this new HSR Refresher OHS Training Course on Aggression and Violence will be available soon. To register your interest, go to HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria or email us at info@besafevictoria.com.au  We look forward to helping you create safer, healthier and more respectful workplaces across Victoria.

Working in the cold

By admin • July 27, 2026
When Winter sweeps across Victoria, temperatures can drop sharply, especially in regional areas and early mornings. For outdoor workers, or those in cold storage and refrigerated environments, these conditions aren’t just uncomfortable, they can be dangerous if not managed properly. Working in a cold environment can lead to: Hypothermia : when body temperature drops below safe levels. Frostbite : damage to skin and tissue from freezing. Reduced dexterity : making tasks harder and increasing risk of incidents. Slips and falls : from ice, frost, or wet surfaces. Fatigue : as the body works harder to stay warm. Increase in prevalence of other conditions: such as arthritis and bronchitis. Under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (The Act), employers must provide a safe working environment. This includes: Identifying cold-related hazards. Implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable. Follow a risk management process in relation to the hazard. Consult with your workforce throughout the process. When you have identified that you have a cold hazard in your workplace, you must control the risk as far as reasonably practicable. As, always this means working through the Hierarchy of Control from top to bottom. Here are some ways you could think about controlling the cold hazard in your workplace: Eliminate: Think about changing work scheduling if weather is extreme. Substitute: Think about whether you could move the work to another location. Isolate: Protect the workers from the cold, for example by providing shelter. Engineer: Can you provide heating or insulation in this work situation? Administrative controls: Could include changes to the workflow or rosters. Training must be provided, including training in the signs of cold stress and treatment. PPE: Such as weatherproof clothing, hats, face covers, boots, and allowing for drying or replacement of gear.  Don’t forget that, under The Act, Consultation must be undertaken at every step of the process. Monitoring of the controls must also occur, especially as conditions change. Frosts and wind chill factor should be taken into account, as well as seasonal or unexpected weather changes. Cold conditions in Victoria can be managed with the right planning, clothing, and awareness. Employers and workers share the responsibility to ensure everyone stays safe, warm, and healthy through the winter months. Health and safety representatives are a key part of the co-operative process required to create safe workplaces. For more information on this topic, take a look at: Cold - OHS Reps Extreme cold | Comcare For specific guidance regarding cold storage facilities: Safe operation of cold storage facilities: A handbook for workplaces | WorkSafe Victoria