#electricalswms

Delays in construction don’t always come from rain or supply issues, sometimes, it’s the paperwork that brings your site to a standstill.

In the construction and electrical trade, safety isn’t something you leave to chance. One overlooked hazard or rushed job can have serious consequences. This is exactly where an electrical SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) becomes more than just paperwork it becomes a life-saving tool.

A recent example on a residential project highlighted just how critical it is to follow safety procedures. The job involved running new wiring through a ceiling cavity. Anyone in the industry knows that ceiling spaces are tight, awkward, and full of risks from live wiring to poor visibility and even hidden pests. But the real danger in this case was the potential for electrical shock.

The Near Miss That Didn’t Happen

One of the electricians on site was about to enter the ceiling cavity to route cables. Normally, it would be easy to assume the space was safe power had supposedly been isolated, and checks were made. But before climbing in, the team revisited the electrical SWMS that had been prepared for the task.

The document clearly outlined a step that could have been skipped in the rush: using a voltage tester on all cables before proceeding. Following that instruction, the electrician tested a run of wires tucked into the rafters. To everyone’s surprise, one line was still live.

Had the SWMS not been followed, the electrician could have received a serious shock while manoeuvring through the cramped cavity. The outcome might have been very different but because the safety process was written down, explained, and enforced, the risk was eliminated before it turned into an incident.

If you’re an electrician, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is one of the most important safety tools you can have. And, at Builder Assist, we make it easy to get compliant, fast - with Electrical SWMS templates that are designed by industry experts and ready to use.

The nature of electrical work means risks can be high — especially because you’re dealing with live wires, tight spaces, working at heights, and constantly evolving site conditions. That’s why it’s not just good practice, but essential to have the right documentation in place before the work begins.

If you’re an electrician, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is one of the most important safety tools you can have. And, at Builder Assist, we make it easy to get compliant, fast — with Electrical SWMS templates that are designed by industry experts and ready to use.

Let’s talk about electrical SWMS

A SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) outlines how to carry out high-risk construction work safely. For electricians, a SWMS is a structured plan that identifies hazards and explains how those risks will be controlled on-site. It covers the job from start to finish, step-by-step, including:

Identifying the high-risk tasks (like working with live power, heights, or confined spaces)

Listing potential hazards (shock, burns, arc flashes, etc.)

Setting out the control measures

Making sure everyone on-site understands and follows the plan

It’s also a legal requirement for high-risk construction work in Australia — so not having one can mean serious consequences for your business.

When used effectively, SWMS for plumbers and other essential documents, ensure safety and regulatory requirements are met.

Similarly with many trades, plumbing work presents a number of safety risks. Not only that, plumbers are responsible for identifying hazards on site prior to commencing work.

Here are some of the safety risks associated with plumbing:

Working at heights: Plumbers are often required to work on roofs and at heights that require a significant level of safety planning.

Exposed electrical wires: Electrical wiring is a common hazard for plumbers, who may unknowingly come into contact with live wires.

Confined spaces: Plumbers are often required to work in confined spaces, such as crawl spaces, which can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken.

Chemicals and gases: Plumbers work with a range of chemicals, including corrosive materials and gases, which can be hazardous, if not handled correctly.

Heavy lifting: Carrying heavy equipment and materials can result in musculoskeletal injuries and other health and safety issues.

What is a SWMS for Plumbers?

Safety documentation is essential for plumbers on work sites. Arguably, one of the most valuable documents is a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for plumbers.

A plumbing SWMS outlines the steps required to complete a specific task safely. It is a Work Health and Safety requirement for high-risk construction work and is often used in conjunction with a risk assessment. Therefore, plumbers are required to follow their site’s SWMS to ensure each high-risk job is completed to the safest identified standard.

What components should be included in a SWMS for plumbers?

In short, a SWMS for Plumbers breaks down the tasks of a job into steps. Each step is reviewed to identify the safest and most logical process for it to be completed. Furthermore, a SWMS outlines the control measures for any risks or hazards identified for each task.

At a minimum, a SWMS for plumbers should:

Identify ‘high-risk construction’ work;

Specify hazards relating to the high-risk construction work, and risks to health and safety associated with those hazards;

Outline the control measures to control the risks; and

Describe how the control measures are rolled out, monitored and reviewed.

If you’ve worked on a construction site, you’ve probably come across the term SWMS. But what is it exactly and when do you really need one?

A Safe Work Method Statement, or SWMS, is a key safety document on Australian worksites. It outlines how to carry out high-risk work safely. It helps workers understand the risks involved and how to manage them. Not every task requires a SWMS though. This guide will help you understand which jobs need one, what should be included and how it applies across different trades like carpentry, plumbing and electrical.

A construction SWMS isn’t just a formality. It’s a practical safety plan that outlines how to do a risky task without putting anyone in harm’s way.

Under work health and safety laws, certain high-risk construction tasks must have a SWMS before work begins. That applies whether you’re a builder, tradie, subcontractor or supervisor. It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about keeping people safe and making sure everyone on site knows what to expect.

Safe Work Australia lists 18 high-risk construction activities that require a SWMS. If your job involves any of the following, you’ll need one in place before you start:

Working at heights above two metres

Operating or working near mobile plant or machinery

Working with live electrical systems

Demolition or structural changes

Excavation deeper than 1.5 metres

Working in or near a confined space

Using explosive-powered tools

Handling asbestos

Installing precast concrete

Working around chemical or fuel lines

Working in areas where there is a risk of drowning

Working on or near roads or traffic

Working in extreme temperatures

Working with flammable or contaminated atmospheres

Diving work

Working on telecommunications towers

And more

These tasks come with serious risks. A SWMS helps you plan how to carry them out safely.

Carpenters regularly deal with high-risk tasks like using power tools, working at heights and handling sharp materials. A proper SWMS carpentry plan should cover things like:

Installing roof frames or trusses

Building timber floors above ground

Using nail guns, saws and other tools

Working on scaffolding or elevated surfaces

Your carpentry SWMS should explain how each task will be done safely. That might include using fall protection, securing ladders or checking tools before use. If something on site changes, like weather or the order of tasks, your SWMS should be updated.

Preparing an Electrical Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is more than ticking a box. It’s a critical part of keeping your team safe when dealing with electrical work. Whether you’re working on new installations, repairs, or maintenance, a solid Electrical SWMS helps identify the risks and puts the right safety measures in place.

JSA and SWMS in the Workplace: A Guide for Supervisors

In high-risk industries like construction, electrical, and manufacturing, ensuring workplace safety isn't just a regulatory checkbox—it's a moral and operational responsibility. As a supervisor, you're at the frontline of this mission. Your leadership sets the tone for how safety is understood and prioritised on-site.