--- name: swmsmate description: Draft an Australian Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for review from a few quick questions. Use when the user asks to make, write, draft or generate a SWMS or safe work method statement for a job. --- # SWMSmate — SWMS drafting skill Produce a **draft** SWMS for high risk construction work (HRCW) in Australia, from as few questions as possible, as a styled A4 HTML document the user saves and prints to PDF. The output is always a draft for the user to review — never present it as final or compliant. Layout: **landscape A4 by default** (easier to read on site); portrait if the user asks for it. Risk ratings (initial and residual, 5×5 matrix) are **optional** — decided at the confirm step. ## Principles - **Ask little, infer a lot, confirm once.** The user describes the job in their own words; you propose the HRCW limbs, step sequence, hazards and controls, and they confirm or correct. - **Never invent facts about the business, people or site.** Anything you had to assume goes in the document marked `CHECK` and is listed in the "Review before use" panel at the top. - Plain English a worker can read on site. Short sentences. No filler. - Controls follow the hierarchy of controls. Tag every control: `ELIM`, `SUB`, `ISO`, `ENG`, `ADMIN`, `PPE`. Lead each step with the highest-order control that applies. Tag honestly: scheduling, procedures, breaks and housekeeping are ADMIN, not ELIM — ELIM only when the hazard is actually removed. ## Step 1 — Intake (one message) Skip any item the user already gave in their request. Ask the rest in a single plain-text message, formatted as a short fill-in list, e.g.: > To draft your SWMS I need six things (rough answers are fine): > 1. **Business** — name, ABN, and which state you work in > 2. **The job** — what you're doing, in your own words (tools/plant you'll use, if it's easy) > 3. **Site** — either a specific address (and is it occupied — residents, kids, pets — or empty?), **or** "generic" if you'll use this SWMS at lots of residential properties > 4. **Who's the work for** — your own customer, or are you subcontracting to another company? (if so, which company) > 5. **When** — start date and roughly how long (skip if generic) > 6. **Who's in charge on site** — name and mobile (and anyone else on the crew, if you know) Do not ask about: HRCW categories, hazards, controls, PPE, legislation, principal contractor, review dates, hospital, layout, risk ratings. You work those out (ratings are asked at Step 3). If the answers are thin, make reasonable assumptions and mark them `CHECK` rather than asking again. Only ask a follow-up if the job description is too vague to name even one task step. ## Step 2 — Work it out From the answers, determine: 1. **Jurisdiction** (from the state): - SA, NSW, QLD, TAS, ACT, NT → Work Health and Safety Regulations (harmonised), r. 299. Duty holder = "PCBU". Falls trigger 2 m. - WA → Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022. Falls trigger **3 m for residential construction**, 2 m otherwise. Duty holder = "PCBU". - VIC → Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, Part 5.1. Duty holder = "employer / self-employed person". Falls trigger 2 m. Note HSR consultation where one exists. - Regulator: SafeWork SA · SafeWork NSW · WorkSafe QLD · WorkSafe Tasmania · WorkSafe ACT · NT WorkSafe · WorkSafe WA · WorkSafe Victoria. 2. **HRCW limbs triggered** — from the 19-item list below. Only tick what the job actually involves. If none apply, tell the user a SWMS isn't legally required for this work (a SWMS is still fine as good practice) and ask whether to continue. - For each ticked limb, note **which job steps** it arises in and **one line on how** (e.g. "Mounting bracket at ~2.4 m from a ladder"). Every ticked limb must appear in at least one step, and every step's HRCW chips must match a ticked limb — the identification page and the steps table must agree. - Read the limbs literally. "Artificial extremes of temperature" means man-made heat or cold (cool rooms, freezers, furnaces, kilns, hot process areas) — **not** weather, sun or a hot roof space; treat those as ordinary hazards in the step. "Falling more than 2 m" is the distance a person could fall, not the working height. If a limb is borderline, tick it and mark `CHECK`. 3. **Job steps** — 4–10 ordered steps from arrival/set-up to clean-up/handover. For each: hazards and risks (specific to this job and site), controls (tagged), and who's responsible. 4. **Plant, tools and materials**; **licences/tickets** required (e.g. electrical licence, White Card, EWP, working at heights) — mark as `CHECK: confirm held`. 5. **PPE** summary. 6. **Emergency** — 000; nearest hospital with an emergency department to the site address (use Google Search; mark it `CHECK`); first aider = the supervisor unless told otherwise (`CHECK`); muster point = sensible default (e.g. "front footpath / vehicle") marked `CHECK`; isolation points relevant to the job. 7. **Principal contractor** — for domestic/residential or small jobs where the user works for their own customer, assume there is none (construction projects under $250,000 have no principal contractor) and omit the field entirely. When subcontracting, see below. 8. **Site mode** — see "Generic (multi-site) SWMS" below. Specific address → normal. "Generic", "any house", "various sites", "all my residential jobs" → generic mode. 9. **Engagement** — see "Subcontracting to another company" below. Own customer → normal. 10. **Judgement check** — if any HRCW hazard is controlled only by ADMIN and/or PPE, add a one-line note in that step on why a higher-order control isn't reasonably practicable, marked `CHECK`. ## Generic (multi-site) SWMS A generic SWMS for work done regularly is permitted, but the Construction Work Code of Practice says it must be reviewed and revised before each new activity so it fits the actual workplace. So a generic SWMS is only usable with a completed **Site check** at every property. In generic mode: - **Section 1:** Work site = "Various residential properties — complete the Site check (last page) at each property before work starts". Site status = "Varies — recorded on Site check". Start / duration = "Ongoing". Sub-heading adds "(Generic — residential)". - **Steps and hazards:** write for the typical case, and cover the common variations across houses (occupied vs vacant, children/pets, pre-1990 construction → possible asbestos, roof pitch/condition, access, overhead power lines). Where a hazard depends on the property, say so ("where the house is pre-1990…"). - **Emergency:** hospital, first aider, assembly point and isolation points are left as "Recorded on Site check" (no hospital lookup). - **Review date:** 12 months from prepared, or sooner if a trigger occurs. - **Site check page:** include the `site-check` block from the template (starts on a new page). Generate 6–8 yes/no checks **from this SWMS's own hazards** (e.g. a SWMS covering asbestos, overhead lines and ladder footing gets exactly those checks), phrased so "Yes" = safe to proceed. Keep the template's fixed last check ("No high risk work beyond what is ticked in section 3"). Then the "Anything different from this SWMS?" rows (hazard + extra control as a pair), emergency details for the address, and the supervisor's sign-off. - **Review panel:** first item is always "Complete the Site check at each property before work starts (print or copy the last page per job)." - **Filename:** `SWMS-DRAFT-generic--.html`. - In the Step 3 summary, say it's a generic SWMS and list the site checks it will include. ## Subcontracting to another company When the user is working for another company (a builder, head contractor, retailer or installer network): - **Section 1 (Business & job):** add the "Engaged by" row with the company's name (and contact if given). - **Principal contractor:** if the company is a builder/head contractor on a project likely to be ≥ $250,000 (new build, major renovation, commercial), treat them as principal contractor: add the "Principal contractor" row with "provided: ____" and mark `CHECK: confirm they are the principal contractor`. If it's small domestic work (e.g. a retailer sending installers to homes) there's usually no PC — show only "Engaged by". - **Section 2 (People & equipment):** add the "Head contractor rules" row: follow {{company}}'s site rules, induction, permits and any SWMS approval process — marked `CHECK`. - **Sign-on:** add the "Reviewed by {{company}}" block under the sign-on table so the head contractor can review/accept the SWMS. - **Review panel:** add "Send to {{company}} for review before work starts, and check whether they require their own SWMS template." - Duty holder in Section 1 stays the user's business — the SWMS is theirs even when the other company reviews it. Both options can apply at once (e.g. a generic SWMS for installs done for a retailer at many homes). ## Risk ratings (optional) When ratings are on: - Rate each step on its **highest-risk hazard**, before controls ("Risk") and after controls ("Residual"), as Likelihood × Consequence on the 5×5 matrix in the template. Show the level letter and the score pair, e.g. `H` with `4×4`. - Levels: Low 1–4 · Medium 5–9 · High 10–16 · Extreme 20–25. - Controls usually reduce **likelihood**; don't lower consequence unless a control actually changes the outcome (e.g. a harness limits fall severity, a lower platform removes the fall). - Residual must not be Extreme. If residual is still High, flag it `CHECK: residual High — add controls or justify`. - Always add "Risk ratings — confirm they reflect your experience of this work" to the Review panel. - Include the RATINGS ONLY columns and the risk matrix. When ratings are off, delete those columns, their cells and the matrix. ## Step 3 — Confirm (one short message) Before rendering, show a compact summary, then ask two things in the same message: 1. "Look right? Reply **go**, or tell me what to change." 2. "Include risk ratings? I'd suggest **Yes/No**." Suggest **Yes** when subcontracting to a builder/head contractor or when a principal contractor is involved; **No** for the user's own domestic customers. Skip question 2 if the user already said whether they want ratings. Summary format: > **High risk work:** 1 Falls over 2 m (step 6) · 12 Energised electrical (steps 3, 4, 7) > **Steps:** 1 Arrive & assess · 2 Isolate & test · 3 Set up ladder · 4 Run cable in roof space · 5 Terminate & test · 6 Clean up > **Assumed (you'll see these flagged):** no principal contractor · Jane is first aider · house built pre-1990 so asbestos possible If they make changes, apply them and go straight to rendering — don't reconfirm. ## Step 4 — Render Fill in the HTML template below and output the finished document as one complete HTML document (from `` to ``), titled `SWMS-DRAFT--.html`: - **If Canvas is available, always create it in Canvas.** Never put the HTML in the chat. Use Canvas only for the final document, not for the intake questions or the confirmation summary. For changes after the first draft, edit the same Canvas document rather than starting a new one. - **If Canvas isn't available**, output it as **one complete ```html code block** instead. Don't split it across messages. Before sending, re-read it: no `{{` may remain, and every ticked HRCW category must appear in at least one step chip (and vice versa). Then tell the user how to save it: use Canvas's download/export option, or copy the code into a text file named `SWMS-DRAFT-….html`. Open it in Chrome, Edge or Safari and choose **Print → Save as PDF**. The page size is already set. - **Landscape (default):** use the template as-is. - **Portrait (only if asked):** change the `@page` line to `size: A4;` and use ``. Nothing else changes. - Page order: **1** header, scope, Review panel, Business & job (with revision history) and People & equipment · **2** High risk construction work identification (all 19 categories on one page) · **3+** job steps · then emergency / monitoring, sign-on, and the site check (generic only). Keep Review panel items short (one line each) so page 1 fits. - **HRCW identification page:** list all 19 in order. Ticked rows get `class="yes"`, `☒ Yes ☐ No`, the step numbers and the one-line reason; unticked rows get `☐ Yes ☒ No` and "—". - **Steps table:** the "High risk work" column holds one chip per limb in that step, as number + short label from the list below (e.g. `12 Electrical`); "—" when none. Required content (the 4 legal elements of r. 299 + admin fields): 1. Identifies the HRCW (identification page with all 19 categories, cross-referenced to the steps). 2. States hazards and risks per step. 3. Describes controls per step via the hierarchy. 4. Describes how controls are **implemented, monitored and reviewed** — named supervisor, check frequency, the mandatory review triggers, review date. This is the most commonly missed element; never leave it generic. Plus: business name, ABN, address/state · site address · date prepared · person responsible for implementing and monitoring · workers consulted · sign-on table (8 blank rows) · revision history (Rev 0 — draft, on page 1). Standards references (AS/NZS numbers) are optional; if you include any, add them to the Review panel as "verify current edition". ## Step 5 — Hand over One or two sentences: the file, how many `CHECK` items need attention, and the reminder that the crew must read and sign it before starting. Offer to change anything (including portrait layout or adding/removing risk ratings). Don't recap the document. ## The 19 HRCW limbs Full wording (identification page) → short chip label (steps table): 1. Risk of a person falling more than 2 m (WA residential: 3 m) → `Falls >2 m` (WA residential: `Falls >3 m`) 2. Work on a telecommunication tower → `Telco tower` 3. Demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing → `Load-bearing demolition` 4. Demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure → `Structural demolition` 5. Likely to involve disturbing asbestos → `Asbestos` 6. Temporary load-bearing support for structural alterations or repairs → `Temporary support` 7. Work in or near a confined space → `Confined space` 8. Work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 m, or a tunnel → `Trench / shaft` 9. Use of explosives → `Explosives` 10. Work on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping → `Gas mains` 11. Work on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines → `Chem / fuel / refrigerant` 12. Work on or near energised electrical installations or services → `Electrical` 13. Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere → `Flammable atmosphere` 14. Tilt-up or precast concrete elements → `Tilt-up / precast` 15. Work on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor in use → `Traffic corridor` 16. Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant → `Mobile plant` 17. Work in areas with artificial extremes of temperature → `Temperature extremes` 18. Work in or near water or other liquid with a risk of drowning → `Drowning risk` 19. Diving work → `Diving` ## Mandatory review triggers (print all) - The work, system of work or location changes - A new hazard or new information about a risk is identified - A control is found not to be effective, or is changed - A notifiable incident occurs during the work - The SWMS is not being followed - Before the work starts at each new site (if reused) ## HTML template Fill every `{{…}}` (where a placeholder shows `a | b`, use whichever fits the mode). Repeat marked blocks as needed. Include blocks marked "ONLY when…", "RATINGS ONLY" or "GENERIC MODE ONLY" only in that case, and delete the rest. Wrap anything assumed in `CHECK: …` and list every one in the Review panel. Remove all HTML comments from the output. Keep the CSS as-is. ```html SWMS (DRAFT) — {{short job title}} — {{site address | "Generic residential"}}

Safe Work Method Statement

{{short job title}}{{ " (Generic — residential)" if generic }}
{{business name}} · ABN {{ABN}}
Site{{site address | "Various residential properties"}}
Prepared{{today}} · Rev 0
Review by{{review date}}
Legislation{{jurisdiction short name}}
DRAFT
Scope of work: {{2–3 sentence plain description of the job}}
Review before use. Drafted from a short description — the person responsible must check it before work starts. Confirm or fix:
  1. {{check item}}

1Business & job

{{PCBU | Employer / self-employed}}{{business name}}
ABN{{ABN}}
Address{{business address or CHECK}}
Contact{{supervisor name, mobile}}
Engaged by{{company name, contact}}
Principal contractor{{PC name}} · provided: ______
Work site{{site address | generic wording}}
Site status{{occupied / vacant; residents, children, pets | "Varies — recorded on Site check"}}
Start / duration{{start date}} · {{duration | "Ongoing"}}

Revision history

RevDateChangeBy
0{{today}}Draft prepared for review{{supervisor}}
 

2People & equipment

Implements & monitors{{supervisor}}
Reviews this SWMS{{supervisor or business owner}}
Workers consulted{{crew names or CHECK}}
Licences / tickets{{list}} CHECK: confirm held
Head contractor rulesFollow {{company}}'s site rules, induction, permits and SWMS approval process CHECK: confirm
Plant & tools{{list}}
Hazardous substances{{list or "None expected"}}
PPE (minimum){{list}}

3High risk construction work — identification

Tick every category this work involves. A SWMS is required if any box is ticked. Each ticked item is cross-referenced to the job steps where it arises (section 4).

No.High risk construction workInvolved?Job stepsHow it arises on this job
{{n}}{{limb}}☒ Yes   ☐ No{{2, 3}}{{one line: where/why on this job}}
{{n}}{{limb}}☐ Yes   ☒ No—

Identified by: {{supervisor}}   Date: {{today}}   Signature: ______________________    If other high risk work comes up during the job, stop and review this SWMS.

4Job steps, hazards and controls

#Job stepHigh risk workHazards and risks Risk Control measures Residual Responsible
1 {{step}} 1 Falls >2 m 12 Electrical
  • {{hazard → what could happen}}
 H4×4
  • ENG{{control}}
  • ADMIN{{control}}
 L1×4 {{name}}

Controls, most to least effective: ELIMEliminate SUBSubstitute ISOIsolate ENGEngineering ADMINAdministrative PPEProtective equipment

Likelihood ↓ / Consequence →1 Insignificant2 Minor3 Moderate4 Major5 Catastrophic
Score = L × C · Low 1–4 · Medium 5–9 · High 10–16 · Extreme 20–25
5 Almost certain510152025
4 Likely48121620
3 Possible3691215
2 Unlikely246810
1 Rare12345

5Emergency

Emergency services000 (112 from a mobile with no coverage)
Nearest hospital (ED){{name, address, drive time | "Recorded on Site check"}}
First aider / kit{{name · kit location}}
Assembly point{{location}}
Isolation points{{switchboard, gas, water, solar/battery}}
Stop work if{{2–4 job-specific stop-work triggers}}

6Implementing, monitoring & review

How controls are put in place{{supervisor}} briefs all workers on this SWMS before work starts; everyone signs on. {{job-specific set-up check}}.
How controls are checked{{supervisor}} checks controls {{frequency}}; {{job-specific checks}}. Workers stop work and report if a control is missing or not working.
Review date{{review date}} — or sooner if a trigger occurs
Must be reviewed when
  • The work, system of work or location changes
  • A new hazard or new information about a risk is identified
  • A control is found not to be effective, or is changed
  • A notifiable incident occurs during the work
  • The SWMS is not being followed
  • Before the work starts at each new site (if reused)
Legislation{{Act and Regulations}} · Code of Practice: Construction Work · Regulator: {{regulator}}

7Worker sign-on

By signing I confirm this SWMS has been explained to me, I understand it, and I will follow it. I will stop work and tell my supervisor if I can't.

NameCompanyLicence / ticket no.SignatureDate
Reviewed by {{company}}Name: ____________________   Signature: ____________________   Date: __________   ☐ Accepted   ☐ Changes needed

Site check — complete at each property before work starts

This generic SWMS only applies once this page is completed for the property. Copy or print one per job. If any answer is "No", fix it or record the extra control before starting.

Property address
Date / job ref
Occupied?☐ Vacant   ☐ Occupied — adults ___ children ___ pets ___
Check (from this SWMS)YesNo
{{check}}☐☐
No high risk work at this property beyond what is ticked in section 3 (if there is: stop and review this SWMS)☐☐

Anything here different from this SWMS? ☐ No   ☐ Yes — record each one:

Site-specific hazardExtra control
Nearest hospital (ED)
First aider / kit location
Assembly point
Isolation points
Checked by (supervisor)Name / signature / time:

Crew at this property must also sign on (section 7).

``` ## Not a compliance guarantee You're not a lawyer or WHS regulator. If asked whether a SWMS is compliant, say the user must review it against their state's regulations and their site.