The foundation of worksite safety.
Professional SWMS and SOP documents covering 14 industries. Pre-written, instantly downloadable, auto-populated with your details, and priced affordably for every trade.
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What is a Safe Work Method Statement?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that identifies the high-risk construction work (HRCW) activities to be carried out at a workplace, describes the hazards and risks arising from those activities, and documents how those risks are to be controlled.
A SWMS is a specific legal requirement for High Risk Construction Work, not a general risk management tool. It is defined under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Commonwealth) and the corresponding WHS Regulations adopted across all Australian states and territories (excluding Victoria, which operates under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 with equivalent obligations).
Who needs a SWMS?
When is a SWMS required?
- Work at a height of 2 metres or more
- Excavation deeper than 1.5 metres
- Demolition of load-bearing structures
- Work involving explosives or pressurised gas mains
- Work near energised electrical installations (> 120V AC)
- Entry into confined spaces
- Work on or near roads with live traffic
- Tilt-up or precast concrete work
- Use of a crane, hoist, or powered mobile plant
How SOPs support safe work
- Provide step-by-step task instructions to guide workers correctly
- Specify required PPE, tools, and plant for each task
- Ensure consistent performance across all workers
- Document pre-start checks and shutdown procedures
- Support induction, training, and competency verification
- Form part of the evidence base for WHS due diligence
What is a Standard Operating Procedure?
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a detailed, task-specific document that describes the correct and safe method for performing a particular work activity. Where a SWMS provides a high-level overview of hazards and controls, a SOP breaks down the practical, step-by-step actions a worker needs to take.
While SWMS are legally required for HRCW, SOPs are strongly expected as part of a PCBU's duty to provide safe systems of work under Section 19 of the WHS Act 2011. Regulators, insurers, and courts look to SOPs as evidence that an organisation has taken reasonably practicable steps to manage risk.
On this platform, each SWMS is paired with the relevant SOPs to create a referenced safety documentation package for the task.
Why purchase from Cornerstone SWMS?
Everything a trade or construction business needs for WHS documentation, without the cost of hiring a WHS consultant.
Pre-Written by Experts
Every document is written by WHS professionals, referencing key WHS legislation, common hazards, and control measures.
Instantly Downloadable
Purchase and download your documents immediately. No waiting, no back-and-forth. Delivered as personalised PDFs.
Professionally Structured
Each document follows a professional WHS format with clear hazard identification, risk controls, and legislative references built in.
Auto-Populated with Your Details
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SWMS + SOP Bundles
Safety packages pairing every SWMS with its related SOPs. Buy the set and pay less per document.
Landscaping Pack
Keep your landscaping crew safe and your business compliant with this essential two-document SWMS pack. Covering Slasher Operation and Stump Grinder Operation, this pack addresses two of the most hazardous tasks on any landscaping job — rotating blades, flying debris, and powerful machinery that demands strict safety protocols. Buying this pack saves you 25% compared to purchasing separately, giving you comprehensive, ready-to-use documentation at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're a sole operator or managing a team, having the right SWMS in place keeps your workers protected and ticks the boxes for site compliance.
Civil Works SWMS MEGA Pack
Keep your civil works projects running safely and compliantly with this powerhouse MEGA Pack, featuring 12 comprehensive SWMS documents tailored specifically for the demands of civil construction. Covering the operation of heavy vehicles and machinery including dozers, 4WDs, smooth rollers, compactors, pavers, road sweepers, and more, this pack has the civil works environment covered from the ground up. Civil works projects present unique and serious hazards — heavy plant machinery, live traffic environments, unstable ground conditions, and complex multi-crew operations all demand airtight safety documentation. Don't leave your team or your business exposed. At $179.00 AUD, you're saving over $180 compared to purchasing individually — a massive 50% off that makes building out your safety documentation library a no-brainer. Perfect for civil contractors, project managers, and safety personnel who need reliable, professional-grade SWMS documentation ready to go at a moment's notice.
Excavation SWMS MEGA Pack
Excavation work carries some of the most serious risks on any Australian worksite — ground collapses, underground services, heavy machinery, and complex dig environments demand nothing less than thorough, professional safety documentation. This powerful MEGA Pack delivers 10 comprehensive SWMS documents covering the full range of excavation plant and equipment, including excavators, backhoes, drill rigs, loaders, dump buggies, piling rigs, bobcats, and more. Whether you're breaking ground on a major civil project, carrying out utility works, or managing a smaller excavation job, this pack gives you the documentation you need to keep your crew safe, your subcontractors accountable, and your business fully compliant with Australian WHS legislation. At $149.00 AUD, you're saving over $150 compared to purchasing individually — a massive 50% off that makes this one of the best-value safety documentation investments available for excavation contractors and project managers alike. Don't put your team or your business at risk. Get compliant before the first bucket hits the ground.
Mechanical & Plant SWMS MEGA Pack
From the warehouse floor to the construction site, mechanical and plant equipment operation demands rigorous safety protocols and airtight documentation. This extensive MEGA Pack delivers 14 comprehensive SWMS documents covering a wide range of essential plant and machinery, including telehandlers, skid steers, multiple forklift variants, generators, air compressors, graders, front-end loaders, mobile plants, order pickers, and much more. Mechanical and plant operations span virtually every industry in Australia — construction, logistics, warehousing, mining, and agriculture all rely on this equipment daily. With so many different machines, operators, and environments in play, having a complete and reliable SWMS library isn't just smart business — it's an absolute necessity for meeting your duties under Australian WHS legislation. At $210.00 AUD, you're saving nearly $210 compared to purchasing individually — an incredible 50% off that gives you one of the most versatile and wide-ranging safety documentation packs available on the market today. Perfect for plant operators, site managers, fleet supervisors, and safety officers who need comprehensive, professional-grade documentation across a broad range of mechanical and plant equipment.
Working at Heights SWMS Pack
Working at heights remains one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatality on Australian worksites — and having the right SWMS documentation in place is not optional. This focused six-document pack covers the essential elevated work activities, including elevated work platforms, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, hoists, manlifts, and more, giving you the critical safety framework your team needs before anyone leaves the ground. Whether you're operating on a construction site, carrying out maintenance work, or managing a facilities team, this pack ensures your workers are protected and your business meets its legal obligations under Australian WHS legislation. At $120.00 AUD, you're saving nearly $60 compared to purchasing individually — over 33% off for a complete, ready-to-use working at heights documentation set. Don't cut corners when it comes to elevated work. Get compliant, stay safe, and protect your people with this essential pack.
Construction SWMS MEGA Pack
Everything your construction site needs, all in one place. This comprehensive MEGA Pack delivers 19 ready-to-use SWMS documents covering the full spectrum of high-risk construction activities — from crane and concrete pump operation to hoists, lifts, crawlers, and much more. Construction sites are among the most safety-critical environments in Australia, with heavy machinery, elevated work, and complex logistics creating serious risk at every turn. Having the right SWMS documentation in place isn't just a legal obligation — it's what keeps your workers going home safe every day. At just $284.00 AUD, you're saving over $285 compared to purchasing individually — that's 50% off, making this the smartest investment you can make for your site's safety and compliance library. Whether you're a builder, project manager, or safety officer, this pack gives you the documentation backbone to run a compliant, professional operation from day one.
Browse by Industry
Documents available across 14 work categories
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SWMS and SOP requirements in Australia
Important Disclaimer
All SWMS and SOP documents available on this platform are professional templates and starting points only. They must be reviewed, adapted, and approved by the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) or facilitated by a designated WHS Manager, Site Supervisor, or Principal Contractor, with knowledge of the specific worksite, before use. No two worksites are identical. Site-specific hazards, environmental conditions, equipment, workforce competencies, and applicable local legislation may all vary. Cornerstone SWMS provides documentation tools to support compliance but does not replace the need for professional WHS advice. We accept no liability for the use of any document without appropriate site-specific review and customisation.