SWMS software for tradies: a SWMS app your crew sign on their phones
Write a safe work method statement on your phone from a starter template, rate each step's risk, and have your crew read and sign it on site. Send the builder a link to the approved version, and keep every change as a new version.
A$12 or NZ$13 a month ex GST after the trial. Free during early access.SWMS
ApprovedYour business name
For Example Builders
Re-roof, two-storey house
| Step and controls | Risk |
|---|---|
| Set up edge protection and scaffoldTagged scaffold; guardrails to all edges Engineering | High → Medium |
| Strip and replace roof sheetsTool lanyards; exclusion zone below Isolate | High → Low |
| Pack downTwo-person lifts Administrative | Medium → Low |
Worker sign-on
- Sam K. ✓ signed
- Jordan P. ✓ signed
- Alex R. not signed yet
Example only. Starter templates are generic guidance to review, not legal advice.
From a blank page to a signed SWMS on site
Each SWMS lives on its job, so the right crew are asked to sign it.
Step 1
Start from a template, not a blank page
On the job, open Safety and pick one of 8 SWMS starters, such as work at height (over 2 m), trench or excavation (over 1.5 m) and near energised electrical services, one of your own templates, or a blank form.
Step 2
Write the steps, hazards and controls
Tick the high risk work it covers and add up to 20 steps, each with hazards, a risk rating from Low to Extreme, controls from the hierarchy of controls and the risk left after them.
Step 3
Add PPE, permits and the emergency plan
Record the PPE, permits, licences and plans, and the emergency steps, with 000 in Australia or 111 in New Zealand.
Step 4
Name the builder and sign it off
Add the principal contractor's name, ABN and contact details, printed next to yours. Then sign it as the preparer and approve the version on screen.
Step 5
Crew read and sign on their phone
Crew on the job see a banner on their week until they sign. Each ticks that they've read and understood it and signs with a finger, or you pass your phone around.
Step 6
Share it with the builder and keep it current
Email the builder a read-only link to the latest approved version, with who's signed on, and turn links off any time. Each change makes a new version for crew to sign.
More than a SWMS template
- Version history
- Every version is kept with its reason, a list of what changed and its own signatures.
- Review dates
- Set a next review date and a Review due chip shows 14 days before it, then Overdue.
- Your own templates
- Save any form as a template, so your usual roof job SWMS is ready for the next one.
- Job hazard analyses, pre-starts and incidents
- Job hazard analyses, pre-start and toolbox talk checklists, and incident or near-miss reports with photos.
- Print or save as PDF
- Print any form or save it as a PDF, with a paper sign-on sheet for anyone still to sign.
Good to know
- Starter templates are generic guidance, not legal advice. Review and change them to suit your work, site and people before use.
- There are 8 SWMS starters, not one for every high risk activity.
- Signing happens in the phone's browser, so it needs a signal.
- New Zealand accounts call it a safety plan, and its high risk work list follows the Australian categories as a prompt.
Not sure if your work needs a SWMS? Safe Work Australia lists the high risk construction work that does: High risk construction work requiring a SWMS (Safe Work Australia).
Trades that write a SWMS before they start
SWMS matter most where the work itself is high risk:
- Builders
- A SWMS for each high risk stage, signed by everyone on site.
- Electricians
- Work near energised installations, from the electrical starter.
- Roofers
- Roof work with a fall of more than 2 metres.
- Plumbers
- Trenches deeper than 1.5 metres, signed before the dig starts.
- Metal fabricators
- Installs from an elevated work platform, with mobile plant nearby.
- Demolition
- Load-bearing walls, with asbestos checked before anything comes down.
What it costs
Solo is A$12 (NZ$13) a month ex GST for one person. Crew is A$22 (NZ$24) for up to five. See full pricing.
Questions about SWMS software
When do I need a SWMS?
Under the model work health and safety laws, for high risk construction work, such as where someone could fall more than 2 metres, a trench deeper than 1.5 metres or work near energised electrical services. Rules vary by state and territory, so check with your WHS regulator.
Can my crew sign the SWMS on their phones?
Yes. On the Crew plan each person has their own login, sees what's waiting for their signature and signs with a finger. On Solo, pass your phone to each person.
Can I send the SWMS to the builder?
Yes. Once it's approved, email it or create a read-only link. The builder sees the latest approved version and who's signed on, and you can turn links off at any time.
Are the SWMS templates compliant?
They're generic starting points, not legal advice, and the app doesn't check compliance. Change each one to suit your work, site and people, then save it as your own template.
More on how Tradie Business works
Quoting software for tradies
Up to 50 lines with units, GST worked out, emailed from your phone and signed online by the customer.
Invoicing software for tradies
Tax invoices from a job or quote, emailed with your bank details, with reminders, payments and credit notes.
Job scheduling software for tradies
A week and day diary on your phone, crew on each job, and customers booking your free times online.
Job costing software for tradies
Budget vs actual, timesheet hours as labour, and the margin on every job.
Every feature, and what's coming soon · Pricing · All 80 trades
Run the business side in minutes a day
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