Floor Coverings Safe Work Method Statement

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

Floor Coverings Safe Work Method Statement

Floor Coverings 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 big contract or government tender - the Floor Coverings Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and 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 on site, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Floor Coverings 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. Access and isolate the are around the perimeter of the work area
  8. Receiving material deliveries
  9. Moving materials, tools and equipment
  10. Environmental waste management consideration
  11. Mixing Adhesive
  12. Cutting vinyl
  13. Installation of vinyl
  14. Clean up area once work is complete
  15. On completion

The Floor Coverings Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Floor Coverings 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. Maintain a neat and well-organised workplace to reduce the number of potential tripping hazards on the floor and pathways.
  2. It’s essential to run regular floor care and maintenance practices to prevent and fix any flooring defects that may develop.
  3. Mark the floor adequately to highlight any potential hazards.

Floor Coverings Safe Work Method Statement

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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 Floor Coverings 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 floor coverings project as needed, making sure that your Floor Coverings SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Floor Coverings SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own floor coverings SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. All persons involved in the floor coverings work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Floor Coverings 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 Floor Coverings SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the floor coverings work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Floor Coverings SWMS. 

When preparing your Floor Coverings 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 Floor Coverings.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions 

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with floor coverings and ensure that:

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

Floor Coverings Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Floor Coverings as well as any qualifications that may be required for various floor coverings 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 Floor Coverings SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Floor Coverings operations and floor coverings work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Floor Coverings SWMS

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

  • Communicate site specific details to all workers
  • All personnel involved must be inducted.
  • All personnel are trained and qualified to carry out the task
  • Appropriate contract specific inductions have been undertaken
  • First aid kit present suitable for the site
  • Check the Asbestos Register (if applicable)
  • Minimum of two competent personnel to be present when working at heights
  • Complete job start with consulting with all workers
  • Reviewing permit to work (if applicable)
  • Review lock out/tagging (if applicable)
  • Complete plant pre start checklist (if applicable)
  • Develop working at heights rescue plan (if applicable)
  • Advise Client prior to commencing work, on arrival sign maintenance logbook.
  • Arrange to access work area via Client or their representative.
  • Liaise with Client as to the safest means for vehicles to enter the Client grounds not at peak movement times,
  • Site person to walk/direct all vehicles through site
  • Clearly define work area and secure area using doors in area or provide barricades and signs
  • Ensure correct PPE is worn ®C as identified on SWMS and JOBSTART.
  • Secure all tools and equipment at all times when not in use.
  • Ensure area is free from obstacles
  • Establish exclusion zone with appropriate barricades and signage
  • Establish alternative access around the work area when required
  • Traffic / pedestrian control is to be in place whenever vehicles enter and leave the work area
  • When unloading and moving materials, tools and equipment use mechanical aids when available, team lifting for awkward loads,
  • Wear appropriate PPE, gloves, as required
  • Ensure all contaminated waste is removed in appropriately sealed receptacles (where applicable) Ensure all construction or demolition waste is removed from site and recycled or disposed of at an EPA approved facility- Waste Disposal Dockets to be kept on file.
  • Open containers of adhesive in a well-ventilated area.
  • Wear dust mask and safety glasses
  • Check for smooth sliding operation of cutter.
  • Ensure the cutting blade is not loose. Correct blade is fitting
  • Ensure the cut-off will fall safely or will be supported.
  • Check floor is clear of obstructions and debris.
  • Remove any off-cuts at the end of the working day.
  • Operator position must be comfortable, no reaching or working off balance.
  • Keep hands/fingers well clear of cutting blade
  • Use PPE including kneepads and safety footwear.
  • Ensure good posture when kneeling and getting up.
  • Take regular breaks.
  • Rotate tasks were appropriate.
  • Wear dust mask and safety glasses
  • *Ensure all tools & equipment are stored away correctly
  • *Be aware of surroundings slippery, uneven surfaces.
  • *Wear appropriate PPE.
  • *Use recycling where appropriate; dispose of waste in line with EPA, Council and clients’ requirements.
  • Remove barricades and signs.
  • Liaise with client as to the safest means for vehicles to leave the site not at peak movement times,
  • Site person to walk/direct all vehicles through the site
  • Sign off and notify client that site is being vacated

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.