What to include
- Your WHS policy and management system, and any certification
- The main risks on this contract and how you control them
- Training, inductions, licences and tickets
- Incident reporting and investigation
- Consultation with workers
- How you manage subcontractors
- Your safety record, stated honestly
When a SWMS is needed
Safe Work Australia lists the high risk construction work that needs a SWMS, such as work with a risk of falling more than 2 metres, work in or near a trench deeper than 1.5 metres, and work disturbing asbestos (Safe Work Australia). Victoria has its own OHS laws, so check the Victorian rules for Victorian work.
Make it about this job
Generic safety manuals score poorly. Name the real hazards of this site and this scope, and show the controls you will use for each.
Common WHS evidence buyers ask for
- Your WHS policy, signed and dated
- Your safety management system and any certification
- Recent safety statistics or incident records
- Sample SWMS or risk assessments
- Induction and training records
- Subcontractor safety prequalification
What evidence buyers usually ask for
- Your WHS policy, signed and dated
- A description of your safety management system, or third party certification if you hold it
- Sample SWMS for the high risk work in this scope
- Incident and injury records over a set period
- Training and licence records for the crew
- How you manage subcontractor safety
Answer with what you actually do on site. Evaluators can tell a template from a working system.
Questions
Do I need a safety certification to tender?
Not always, but some buyers require one or score it. Check the criteria.
Is a SWMS the same as a WHS plan?
No. A SWMS covers specific high risk construction activities. A WHS plan covers safety management for the whole contract.
Should I disclose past incidents?
If the buyer asks, answer honestly and explain what changed. Hiding incidents can lead to exclusion or termination later.