Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are supposed to be the backbone of managing high-risk work. In theory, they outline the hazards, controls, and steps required to keep workers safe. In reality, most SWMS documents die a slow death in gloveboxes, Dropbox folders, and faded clipboards.
Workplace incidents are inevitable. Despite best efforts to prevent them, accidents and near-misses do happen. When it comes to managing these events, many businesses still focus only on the immediate consequences; repairs, compliance and immediate operational disruptions, however, the real costs of incidents can go far beyond just the immediate aftermath.
