Sewing Machine Safe Work Method Statement

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

Sewing Machine Safe Work Method Statement

Sewing Machine Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Looking to start work on site? Or maybe you're just looking to make your workplace safer, or possibly you're going for that next Government Tender - Either way, the Sewing Machine Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is comprehensive, easy to understand and is designed to be implemented into your business with as little fuss as possible.

Look, we understand business can be hard enough as it is without all the red tape, often written in language only a martian would understand. That's why every Safe Work Method Statement Template is written in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you on site, save you loads of time and are easy to use. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.


The Sewing Machine 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. General precautions
  8. Operation
  9. Cleaning and maintenance
  10. On completion

The  Sewing Machine Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Sewing Machine 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.

Sewing Machine 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 Sewing Machine 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 sewing machine project as needed, making sure that your Sewing Machine SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Sewing Machine SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own sewing machine SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Sewing Machine 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 Sewing Machine. 

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when using sewing machine and ensure that:

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

Sewing Machine Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • A safety switch must protect electrical circuits providing power to the machine.
  • A competent person must test and tag the machines every 12months.
  • Make sure that the electric lead is not damaged and is in proper working condition.
  • A daily check-up, before use, is needed for missing or loose parts, wear and damage.
  • Never use water near electrical equipment or spill any over the machine.
  • Harmful noise levels may be generated when multiple machines are in operation.
  • Make sure that the voltage and load are proper.
  • Never use a machine if it is out of test.
  • Never use a machine with a faulty lead.
  • Never use equipment that is faulty.
  • Be careful of hazardous noise levels.
  • Make sure the work area has sufficient lighting to prevent harmful eyestrains.
  • Make sure the foot control can be reached easily, and when the operator is in a seated position, both feet can rest on the ground comfortably.
  • When operating the machine, be careful and keep hands and fingers away from the sewing and cutting zone.
  • Never start the machine when manually adjusting the stop position.
  • Before making any adjustments on the machine, make sure the machine is stopped.
  • Before making any changes to the operation or the settings, make sure the machine is stopped.
  • When operating the machine, do not exert excess pressure to any part of the machine.
  • If ambient lighting is not sufficient, task lighting must be provided.
  • Do not keep finger and hand near the moving parts.
  • Before carrying out any maintenance, make sure the machine is unplugged.
  • Follow the manufacturer's manual and lubricate only with approved lubricants.
  • Any residue or excess lubricant must be immediately cleared off the machine.
  • The manufacturer's manual must be followed to carry out any repair to the machine.
  • Any waste fabric must be immediately discarded to prevent a risk of slips or trips.
  • Assistance must be used for installing or for moving large industrial machines.
  • Only a qualified person must be authorised to repair or maintain the machine.
  • Proper lifting practices must be observed.

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.