Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement

Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement

Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to get on site to start work, looking to create a safe work environment or pitching for that next government tender - the Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and easy to integrate into your current Safety Management System. If you don't have a Safety Management System, we need to talk, seriously, you don't need to be carrying that level of risk exposure in your business - we can help.

Look, we understand that business should be rewarding and not consumed by tedious red tape. The Safe Work Method Statement Template we create is in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality documents in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you onsite, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the following Job Steps, including potential hazards, control measures and risk ratings:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. Training and capabilities
  3. Assess onsite conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Dogging work that requires a license
  8. Exemptions from licensed work.
  9. General safety precautions
  10. Selection and inspection of lifting equipment
  11. Application of load factors
  12. Inspection and slinging of loads
  13. Raising and lowering of loads
  14. Placement of concrete
  15. Travelling
  16. Working near electrical installations
  17. On completion

The Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement, include;


Risk Assessment Matrix | Hierarchy of Controls | PPE | Emergency Response

Your Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement is ready to be used in three easy steps:

  1. Add your company logo and details to the SWMS Template.
  2. Identify site specific risks.
  3. Address any site specific risks and add them to your SWMS Template.

Now that your Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is ready for use, you can also make the SWMS document available as a training resource for activities such as WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks or Workplace Inductions.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. Selecting appropriate slinging methods and lifting gear by, considering load size and shape, determining load weight and centre of gravity.
  2. Inspect lifting gear to make sure it's not defective or damaged.
  3. Wear appropriate PPE, particularly a hard hat.

Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement

  • High quality and ready to use Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Instant Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to use - no fuss customisation.
  • Referenced to AS/NZS (Standards) and Legislation. 
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View a Safe Work Method Statement Example

See an example of a Safe Work Method Statement Template below. All our SWMS Template documents are comprehensive in nature, easy to use, and are a huge time saver. Our Safe Work Method Statement Templates are quick and easy to customise to your specific business or operation and are perfectly suited for every day use, for larger contracts and tenders right through to qualifying for contractor management platforms such as CM3.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities that will be performed at a workplace, the hazards that will be present as a result of these activities, and the controls that will be implemented to mitigate the risks.

A single SWMS can be utilised for numerous high-risk construction work activities, such as employing powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres, and working near to a road that is used by traffic other than pedestrians.

A SWMS is an administrative control that is used to support higher-order controls, such as engineering controls, that are designed to remove or reduce hazards to health and safety.

A SWMS differs from other documentation such as a Job Safety Analysis or a Safe Operating Procedure in that it focuses on specific jobs or processes. A SWMS isn't meant to be a procedure; rather, it's a tool for supervisors and workers to check and monitor the workplace control measures. For high-risk work activities, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)  must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or check that one has been prepared before starting work. It is important to note that before any work process has started, a SWMS must be prepared.

A PCBU, on the other hand, also must manage health and safety hazards by eliminating or reducing them as much as possible. Before beginning any work on a project, the principal contractor must also obtain a copy of the SWMS.

What information does a Safe Work Method Statement need to contain?

A Safe Work Method Statement should identify high-risk work and any specify hazards related to high-risk construction work as well as any health and safety risks. The SWMS should describe the risk-control measures to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed and also should describe how the risk-control measures will be effective at reducing or eliminating the risk, and how they will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be concise and focus on outlining the specific risks identified for the high-risk work to be performed, as well as the control measures to be implemented to ensure that the work is completed safely.

A long and overly complex Safe Work Method Statement which could be difficult to comprehend, implement and monitor or review may be confusing for workers to mentally digest and therefore is not ideal in helping to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. It is imperative that workers, and especially those who do not speak English, are able to understand the Safe Work Method Statement. Consider having pictures or diagrams added to the SWMS as a more effective way of presenting information contained within the SWMS.

The SWMS should also contain other regulatory requirements to protect health and safety of all personnel, such as controlling noise exposure and manual job risks. Also, keep in mind that evidence of a completed risk assessment may be required by the regulator or for auditing reasons if the Safe Work Method Statement is based on a workplace-specific risk assessment.

Who's Responsible for creating the Safe Work Method Statement?

In collaboration with workers who will be directly engaged in the activity, the person responsible for carrying out the work is usually best equipped to prepare the SWMS document. In most cases, this means that a Safe Work Method Statement is created by the builder for his or her employees, or by the subcontractor for their employees.

To establish who is in the best position to prepare the Safe Work Method Statement, the principle contractor, builder, and/or subcontractors should decide who will take responsibility for the SWMS.

It's also a requirement that all managers, contractors, supervisors, and workers be involved in the creation of a Safe Work Method Statement. Workers must be consulted so that they understand the SWMS in depth and what they must do to establish and maintain risks and implement control measures to manage the risk. Sharing information and utilising workers' knowledge and experience may also aid in ensuring that the task is completed in accordance with the SWMS.

If your workplace has a Health and Safety Representative, they should also be contacted while creating a Safe Work Method Statement.

What does the principal contractor's responsibility entail?

Before beginning work, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain a SWMS from any contractor performing high-risk work. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be created, for example by the contractor or subcontractor.

A general contractor should establish plans to ensure that high-risk work is carried out safely and in compliance with the Safe Work Method Statement. This can be done by keeping an eye on how the SWMS is being implemented on the ground.

The principal contractors' WHS management plan must also include detailed arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the SWMS, according to the WHS Regulations.

How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement, the first step is to create the document as a Safe Work Method Statement Template. This way, you can use the same SWMS Template and then adjust the document for each different glazing project as needed, making sure that your Dogging Work SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Dogging Work SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own dogging work SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Dogging Work SWMS such as:

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Dogging Work SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications.
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to dogging work work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the dogging work work is being conducted, secondly, communicate the risks and hazards and then take steps to eliminate or control each hazard in relation to the dogging work work being done.
  • Any changes added to the Dogging Work SWMS after an incident or a near miss.

Note: The Dogging Work SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the dogging work work is completed. Where the Dogging Work SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Dogging Work Safe Work MethodStatement, the Dogging Work SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

  • Does the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters?
  • Is the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the dogging work work outlined in the Dogging Work SWMS involve diving work?

Your Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

Your Dogging Work SWMS should also list any Personal Protective Equipment such as: 

  • Foot Protection - Boots or closed in shoes
  • Hand Protection - Gloves
  • Head Protection - Hard hat or helmet
  • Hearing Protection - Ear plugs or ear muffs
  • Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
  • Respiratory Protection - Face masks etc
  • Face Protection - Face shield, welding mask etc
  • High Visual Clothing
  • Protective Clothing - Overalls etc
  • Fall Protection - Safety harness, edge protection etc
  • Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat etc
  • Hair and Jewellery Secured - Hair Net, etc 

The Dogging Work SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Dogging Work SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to dogging work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Dogging Work and their health and safety representatives who represented that workgroup at the workplace.

When the Dogging Work SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the dogging work work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Dogging Work SWMS;
  2. Persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised Dogging Work SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the dogging work work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Dogging Work SWMS.

When preparing your Dogging Work SWMS, here are some topics you might want to also include to ensure you have covered as many risks and hazards as possible.  

Planning and Preparation When Working With and Around Dogging Work.

When writing your Dogging Work SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Dogging Works in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

  • Health and Safety guidelines for dogging work work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Dogging Work SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Dogging Work
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Dogging Work SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Dogging Work SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Dogging Work operations
  • Ensure the Dogging Work and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Dogging Work SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Dogging Work SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting dogging work work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Dogging Work SWMS
  • Electrical NO GO ZONES identified, discussed and documented.

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when doing dogging work and ensure that:

  1. A risk assessment of the dogging work work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct dogging work work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting dogging work work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Dogging Work SWMS details
  5. If conducting Dogging Work at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for dogging work work 

Dogging Work Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Dogging Work as well as any qualifications that may be required for various dogging work projects before starting work. If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses and qualifications of personnel.

All personnel must: 

  1. Be trained and/or have received instructions on the Dogging Work SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Dogging Work operations and dogging work work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Dogging Work SWMS 

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Dogging Work Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Dogging work must  be carried out only by a person holding the appropriate license. Such work includes application of slinging techniques for moving a load such as the selection and inspection of lifting gear, and/or directing the crane or hoist operator for moving a load when the load is not in the field of view of the crane or hoist operator.
  • Make sure that the persons who are carrying out the dogging work are holding the appropriate current licences for the work.
  • Licenses for high-risk work must be renewed every 5 years.
  • Only a licensed person must be allowed to carry out all dogging work, except when the work is carried out during a training course towards a license and is executed under the supervision of a person holding the license for the work.
  • Only persons 18 years of age or above can obtain a license for high-risk work.
  • A written record of the training must be made.
  • Provide all doggers and ensure they wear proper safety equipment and clothing. This must include required by the JSA or workplace safety rules, etc.) protection for the eyes and head, safety footwear, gloves and high-visibility clothing.
  • Wearing eye, head, hand and foot protection, and high-visibility clothing is essential.
  • Other PPE must be used as required in the workplace.
  • Asses the load and determine its integrity, stability and weight. Determine also the location of the most appropriate point for safe attachment for slinging the load.
  • Select the lifting equipment and slings which can safely lift the load. Take into account other load factors such as when using more than one direct loaded sling to lift.
  • Inspect all lifting equipment such as lifting devices, terminal gear, chain sets and slings for damage, corrosion, distortion and wear, before using them. (Refer SWP329 Lifting Equipment for details of inspection of slings and lifting equipment).
  • Never lift load if the weight is not known or can not be estimated reasonably,
  • Refer the proper load charts to make sure that slings are not overloaded.
  • Only approved lifting equipment should be used.
  • Never use any faulty equipment.
  • Wearing gloves when handling chain sets and wire rope slings is essential.
  • The maximum load recommended on a sling is the Safe Working Load (SWL), which can be placed when the sling is loaded direct (ie., straight lift).
  • To calculate the load that can be safely lifted when using the sling in other configurations, consider factors such as termination, angle and reeving.
  • Make sure that slings are not overloaded, by referring to loading and slinging tables for the configuration and types of slings being used.
  • Things that need the SWL to be clearly marked include fuel containers, kibbles, skips, material safety boxes, personnel boxes, plant and machinery.
  • For lifting bundled loads and loose items, use a cage or a box wherever practicable, or attach slings such that the load is secure and will not slip when lifted.
  • Never lift items such as electric motors with its single eye bolt. Always use slings.
  • For lifting plates, etc., always use approved shackles, hooks or plate clamps in lifting holes.
  • For an evenly distributed flexible load, all slings must be able to carry half the load.
  • Be careful when lifting irregular shaped loads. Let each leg take the full load.
  • Protect slings from sharp corners and edges of loads by using lagging and packing.
  • Never lift loads whose weight is unknown or cannot be estimated reasonably.
  • For reducing the risk of a slip, choke hitch may be used.
  • Spreader bars may be used to prevent slippage.
  • Make sure the item is secure in the slings.
  • Never use home-made clamps.
  • To minimise flexing, lift the load slowly.
  • Make sure each leg can take a full load.
  • Inspect all slings regularly for damages.
  • Check slinging by raising the load slightly, before moving the load.
  • Make sure all slings are carrying equal shares of the load.
  • There must be no slack legs.
  • Make sure of the integrity of the slung loads so that there are no loose items that could dislodge and fall when lifting the load.
  • Never lift loads other than vertically. Make sure the hook is directly over the load. This prevents the load from swinging dangerously when raised.
  • Never drag loads such as from the side, as this places undue strain on the crane booms and lifting gear.
  • Inspect all palleted loads, and make sure that the pallet is in proper condition, the load is secured to prevent the items from falling from the pallet and that the load is appropriately slung.
  • Make sure the load is not snagged or caught.
  • Make sure that all slings have equal tension.
  • Wherever possible, avoid lifting bundled loads when other persons are present.
  • Make sure the hook is positioned directly over the load.
  • The load can be controlled using a tag line.
  • Never use the crane for purposes other than for which it was designed.
  • Never use damaged pallets. Do not also place a damaged pallet over a sound pallet for lifting.
  • When placing concrete on to formwork from a slung kibble, always spread flow out.
  • To minimise risk of whip-back from the kibble, make sure the concrete is poured gradually.
  • Use tag lines to control and avoid sudden releases of load from the kibble.
  • Ensure stability of the crane when travelling by inspecting the ground and travel path conditions for holes, soft ground and bumps.
  • Make sure there is adequate clearance on the sides and overhead.
  • Where applicable, make sure that the crane is set to travel mode before starting to travel.
  • Make sure all warning devices and flashing lights are properly operating when travelling.
  • To minimise swing when travelling with load, carry loads as close to the ground as possible and travel slowly.
  • Make sure the crane can enter and exit the work area and can be manoeuvred safely.
  • If necessary, the travel path has to be repaired.
  • Minimise travelling with slung loads.
  • Inspect the operation of all warning devices.
  • Control the loads using tag lines.
  • Before starting work, check the proximity of overhead powerlines.
  • Make sure to identify lines with tiger tails and place warning banners in appropriate positions.
  • Wherever possible, de-energise power lines or electrical equipment before commencing work.
  • Position the crane such that the load, when swung, will not be encroaching into the safe clearance.
  • When working near electrical installations, always use 16 mm dry natural fibre rope as a tag line.
  • Refer SWP 529 Work near overhead power lines.
  • Never rely on tiger tails alone to protect from or prevent electric shock.
  • Safe approach distance from power lines must always be maintained.

National: View the Model Codes of Practice for Excavation Work on Safe Work Australia's website here.
Victoria: Victoria's Code of Practice for Excavation Work may be viewed on Work Safe Victoria's website here.