We all know that a Safe Work Method Statement is a written document that is made to ensure workers of safety in the workplace. This document is particularly used in high-risk jobs like in construction. This document typically gives specific instruction about how to safely perform a high-risk task, or to operate a piece of device or equipment. In most countries, it is mandatory to have a work method statement to advice employers and the workers on how to perform their tasks safely. Employers need to make sure that every single step written in the Safe Work Method Statement is followed and that none of them is missed. If the employers and the workers are following everything that is written on the document, then they are sure that occupational health and safety hazards are prevented. Then again, if they do not follow them, the document will just be useless. To make sure that the document is effective, it needs to be evaluated first. But how is it evaluated? In evaluating a Safe Work Method Statement, there are certain criteria that are used as a guide in order to ascertain if the document addresses the specific health and safety regulations and requirements for high-risk work activities and other tasks that are to be undertaken by the workers. There are seven categories in evaluating safe work method statements or SWMS. These include the content, scope of works, competencies and responsibilities, hazardous substances, machinery tools and equipment, and the environment.
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