Freezer Work Safe Work Method Statement

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

Freezer Work Safe Work Method Statement

Freezer 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 big contract or government tender - the Freezer Work 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 onsite, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Freezer 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. Protective clothing
  8. Traffic safety
  9. Forklift safety (See also SWP Forklift Electric)
  10. Work procedures are followed
  11. On completion

The Freezer Work Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Freezer 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.

Your SWMS is now read to use, and may also be used as training materials for work related activities such as Workplace Inductions or WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. Always wear appropriate PPE suitable for the cold temperatures in the freezer, and layered clothing if working in and out of different environments.
  2. Take warm up breaks, employers must allow staff to take warm up breaks every hour for staff working full time in the freezer.
  3. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet, as well as avoid caffeine rich energy drinks.

Freezer Work 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 Freezer 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 freezer work project as needed, making sure that your Freezer Work SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Freezer 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 Freezer Work.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

Freezer Work Training and Worker Qualifications 

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

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

  • Provide all persons required to work in freezer conditions with purpose designed and made freezer clothing that must be worn when the person is required to enter a freezer for more than a brief period or to carry out work of any type make sure that clothing does not overly restrict or limit movement. Make sure persons are wearing body protection.
  • Provide water repellent clothing for persons working in freezers and these must contain lightweight insulating filler and be fitted with collars and cuffs designed to keep the body warm.
  • Keep clothing dry never wear wet clothing in cold conditions. Provide area where clothing can be hung to dry.
  • Persons working in freezers for more than brief periods must wear waterproof freezer footwear with lined socks foot protection must be worn.
  • When handling frozen products inside freezers, wear waterproof freezer gloves with liners inside gloves.
  • Persons working in freezers and refrigerated rooms must wear high-visibility garments when forklifts operate in the area or adjacent areas high-visibility garment must be worn.
  • Provide separate marked forklift and pedestrian traffic paths where high traffic flows or there is poor visibility(e.g. blind corners).
  • At likely collision points, provide adequate warning signs for both pedestrians and forklifts to warn of the presence of others.
  • Never use gas or fuel powered forklifts in enclosed rooms or docks use electric powered forklifts only.
  • Provide battery charging areas separated from other work areas, with entry restricted to authorised personnel only authorised personnel only to enter battery charging areas.
  • In charging areas, implement controls to prevent sparking, earthing, and spillage of or touching corrosive battery fluids wear eye and hand protection, and PVC apron.
  • Plan jobs such that persons who are wearing full freezer clothing are not required to spend significant periods of time out of the cold environment minimise risk of overheating of the body.
  • Provide rest breaks
  • Freezer work 2 hourly
  • Cold room work 4 hourly
  • Persons wearing freezer suits should be encouraged to keep up a steady intake of water to combat loss of body fluids through perspiration.
  • Apply work-rest regimes where the nature of the task is such that other methods of reducing risk to workers are insufficient provide short rest breaks and rotate duties to reduce stress.

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.