When it comes to workplace safety in Queensland, there are so many types of documents created to identify and prevent hazards that it can be easy to get them mixed up. While some may seem interchangeable at a quick glance, they are actually created for specific purposes. Read our guide to learn the difference between a SWMS and a JSA.
What is a safe work method statement (SWMS)?
A Safe work method statement (SWMS) is a document used in the construction industry for high risk activities that contains the following information:
- Description of the job
- Person responsible for implementing, reviewing and monitoring the SWMS
- Qualifications and training necessary to do the task
- Any potential risks or hazards and the level of risk
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), signage and tags required
- Plant and equipment needed
- Emergency plan and rescue procedure in case of hazards
- Relevant Safety Data Sheets and Legislation
- Current action or procedure used in the event of an accident
Read Our Blog Post To Learn More: What Is A Safe Work Method Statement?
Have you ever been asked to provide a “SWMS” or “Safe Work Method Statement” on a project in Queensland? Read our post where we answer the question – What Is A Safe Work Method Statement?
What is a job safety analysis (JSA)?
A job safety analysis (JSA) is a document that outlines health and safety principles of a task. While they are common in construction, they are also used in other industries that involve hazards. It includes:
- Name and location of task, person in charge of it and their supervisor
- Instructions and logical sequence of performing the job
- Qualifications and training necessary to do the task
- Any potential risks or hazards and the level of risk
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), signage and tags required
- Plant and equipment needed
- Emergency plan and rescue procedure in case of hazards
- Relevant Safety Data Sheets and Legislation
- Current action or procedure used in the event of an accident
What is the difference between a SWMS and a JSA?
While the two lists above are extremely similar, there are key differences between the purpose of the two documents.
The JSA is created before a task is completed so that the person doing the job knows all the risks and safety precautions. It is created for a specific task, such as operating a specific piece of machinery.
The SWMS document is prepared for a certain type of task that is conducted regularly. It is a reference or “cheat sheet” for people conducting that type of activity, but is created in a way that it can be improved over time. Workers are required to check the SWMS before conducting a task and ensure that it applies to the task they are doing.
The SWMS and JSA are two different types of documents that work well when used together. The actual content on the two documents is transferable so that hazard and control measures can be refined over time and the most current safety procedures can be adhered to by all workers.
A JSA is generally created first and can then be used to create an SWMS that will outline safety practices and procedures. The SWMS can then be used as a reference for all employees.
Overview of differences between safe work method statements and job safety analysis
|
SWMS |
JSA |
|---|---|
|
Specific to the construction industry |
Commonly used in construction but found in other industries with high risk tasks |
|
Required for all high-risk construction work, when conducting a risk assessment and when identifying hazards |
One or two page form outlining the hazards associated with a particular task |
|
A legal document that must be prepared before any high risk construction work starts |
Created before a specific task is carried out for workers to understand the safety principles involved (for example a JSA would be created for a specific piece of machinery) |
|
A document of safety procedures, risks and Legislation relevant to high risk construction work |
A short form or checklist that outlines hazards and procedures associated with a specific task |
Do I need a SWMS or a JSA?
For any high risk construction work, a SWMS must be prepared before the work starts, whether or not the task is done regularly.
For other work that is not high risk construction work, a SWMS is not required, but a JSA (or a similar risk assessment) is a good way to record the hazards and controls.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a JSA and a SWMS?
A SWMS is the document the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) requires for high risk construction work (section 299). A job safety analysis (JSA) is not named in that section. It is a way of working through the steps of a task, the hazards and the controls, and it is used in many industries. If the work is high risk construction work, you need a document that meets section 299, whatever it is called.
Is a JSA the same as a SWMS?
No. They often hold similar information, but only a SWMS is required by section 299 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld), and it must be prepared before high risk construction work starts. The Regulation looks at what the document contains, not at its title: it must identify the high risk construction work, state the hazards and risks, describe the controls, and describe how the controls will be implemented, monitored and reviewed.
Do I need a SWMS or a JSA for this job?
Check the job against the list of high risk construction work in section 291 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld), for example work with a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, work in or near a trench deeper than 1.5 metres, or work in or near a confined space. If it is on the list, a SWMS must be prepared before the work starts. If it is not, a SWMS is not required under that section, but you still have to manage the risks, and a JSA or risk assessment is a practical way to record how.
Is a JSA required by law in Queensland?
The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) does not require a JSA by name. It requires a business to identify hazards and manage risks (sections 34 to 38) and does not set a form for doing so. Some businesses and principal contractors ask for a JSA or similar document as a site or contract rule, which is separate from the Regulation.
How long do I keep a SWMS or a JSA?
Keep a SWMS until the high risk construction work is completed, or for at least 2 years after a notifiable incident connected with the work (section 303 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)). The Regulation does not mention a JSA, so it sets no keeping period for one.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check the current law or talk to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for your situation.
Where can I download a free safe work method statement template for Queensland?
Download Our free Safe Work Method Safety (SWMS) Template Here
Templates for this job
Ready-to-edit Word and Excel templates for Queensland workplaces.
