Are Your SWMS a Hazard or a Control?

Originally published by Jessica Urquhart.

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are not only a legal requirement, but they are also crucial for ensuring safety in various work environments, particularly in high-risk industries. However, there are significant barriers that can affect their effectiveness, especially for workers with low literacy, reading difficulties or big egos.

Barriers for Workers with Low Literacy

• Comprehension Issues: Workers who struggle with reading may not fully understand the SWMS, leading to improper implementation of safety measures.
• Training Gaps: Inadequate training on how to interpret and apply SWMS can exacerbate the challenges faced by low-literacy workers.
• Language Barriers: For non-native speakers, technical jargon and complex language in SWMS can be overwhelming and confusing.
• Visual Learning Needs: Many workers benefit from visual aids or hands-on demonstrations, which are often lacking in traditional SWMS formats.

Ego as a Barrier for Workers

Ego can significantly hinder workers from voicing their concerns, particularly when it comes to understanding critical documents such as Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). This reluctance to speak up can arise from a fear of appearing incompetent or less knowledgeable in front of peers and supervisors.

Impacts of Ego on Communication

• Fear of Judgment: Workers may worry about being judged or ridiculed for not understanding the SWMS.
• Lack of Clarity: Without clear communication, safety risks may be overlooked, increasing the potential for accidents.
• Reduced Collaboration: Ego can prevent team members from collaborating effectively, as individuals may hesitate to ask for help.

Encouraging Open Dialogue

• Read the SWMS Outloud: Handing someone a SWMS, asking them to read and sign-off, without verification that the worker can read, interpret and understand the task and risk controls is unsafe. Read the SWMS, verify information with the worker and do not start work until there is a complete understanding from all parties.
• Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a culture where asking questions is encouraged and valued.
• Provide Training: Offer training sessions to help workers understand SWMS and other essential safety documents.
• Lead by Example: Encourage leaders to demonstrate vulnerability by admitting when they do not understand something.

By addressing the issue of ego, organisations can promote a safer and more communicative workplace, ultimately enhancing overall safety and efficiency.

Effectiveness of SWMS

SWMS are often regarded as the lowest order of control in risk management. This positioning raises concerns about their overall effectiveness:

• Reactive Nature: SWMS may only address risks after they have been identified, rather than proactively preventing them.
• Compliance Over Safety: There is a tendency to focus on completing SWMS for compliance rather than ensuring they are genuinely effective in promoting safety.
• Limited Engagement: Workers may view SWMS as a checkbox exercise, reducing their engagement and commitment to safety practices.
• Include Psychosocial Hazards: SWMS need to incorporate both health and safety hazards including psychosocial.

An Ineffective SWMS Becomes a Hazard When:

• People Can't Read: If the SWMS is not written in a clear and accessible manner, it can lead to misunderstandings about safety procedures.
• Non-English Speaking Workers Struggle: Workers who do not speak English may find it difficult to comprehend the SWMS, resulting in a lack of awareness of potential hazards.
• Excessive Information: When the SWMS contains more information than is necessary for the tasks at hand, it can overwhelm workers and obscure critical safety instructions.
• Unclear Controls: If the controls listed in the SWMS are not understood or accessible to workers, they may not be able to implement necessary safety measures.
• Superficial Agreement: When workers smile and nod without truly understanding the expectations outlined in the SWMS, it creates a false sense of security and increases risk.

Improving SWMS for All Workers

To enhance the effectiveness of SWMS and ensure that all workers, including those with low literacy, can understand and implement them, consider the following strategies:

• Simplified Language: Use plain language and clear, concise instructions in SWMS.
• Visual Aids: Incorporate diagrams, pictures, and flowcharts to illustrate safety procedures.
• Interactive Training: Provide hands-on training sessions where workers can practice safety measures in a controlled environment.
• Regular Feedback: Encourage workers to provide feedback on SWMS and their usability, allowing for continuous improvement.

Having a library of SWMS written by your admin staff or purchased online, that are not reviewed or implemented appropriately at the worksite, are simply just pieces of paper - they are not risk assessments.

Addressing the barriers faced by workers with low literacy and improving the overall effectiveness of SWMS is essential for fostering a safer workplace. By implementing strategies that promote understanding and engagement, organisations can enhance safety outcomes for all employees.