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 health and safety isn’t just about preventing physical injuries. While hazards like falls, machinery incidents, and chemical exposure are well understood, many organisations still underestimate the impact of psychosocial risks.
This past week, the Government announced a series of proposed changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). For many in the health and safety community, the reaction has been mixed: a sense of concern about what may be weakened, tempered with cautious optimism that clarity could reduce confusion and encourage better practice.
