SWMS: when and how

A safe work method statement (SWMS) describes high-risk construction work, the hazards and how you'll control them. Work health and safety law requires one before certain kinds of work start. Karven drafts one from the job, because most of what it needs is already on the quote.

SWMS are part of the Compliance add-on, which needs the Pro plan. Switch it on in Settings → Add-ons.

When you need one

Under the model WHS regulations you need a SWMS for high-risk construction work, including:

• work where someone could fall more than 2 metres
• work on or near energised electrical installations
• work in confined spaces, or trenches and excavations deeper than 1.5 metres
• demolition of load-bearing structures
• work likely to involve disturbing asbestos
• tilt-up or precast concrete
• work on or near roads or traffic, or near pressurised gas mains or chemical lines
• work in or near water where there's a risk of drowning, and diving work

Many builders and commercial sites ask for a SWMS from every trade on site, even for lower-risk work. Your state regulator's website has the full list for your state.

How Karven drafts it

Open the quote, tap Before the job, then Open Safety (SWMS). Karven looks at your trade and the job's details (for example deck height) and picks the hazards that apply, each with standard controls.

Then you make it fit the site:

• untick a hazard that doesn't apply (Karven asks for a short reason)
• add your own extra controls in your own words
• generate the PDF

If you change anything after that, regenerate the PDF so it matches.

Getting it signed

Create a sign-on link (it lasts 30 days) and share it with your crew. Each person opens it on their phone, reads the SWMS and signs with their finger. Karven keeps the signatures with the job.

What Karven doesn't do

Karven's draft is a starting point, not a guarantee. You're responsible for the controls being right for the site. If you're unsure, talk to your state WHS regulator or a safety adviser.