Safe Work Procedures | ![]() |
| What is this about? | A safe work procedure (SWP) is a written instruction outlining the preferred method of performing a task/activity, outlining potential hazards and associated controls measures to be applied. |
| Who has to do it? | Anyone undertaking activities that include risk to health and safety. |
| Why am I required to do this? | To prevent workplace incidents and injuries. |
| When do I have to do this? | When a risk assessment identifies the need or where the task involves a risk score of extreme, high or medium. |
| What do I do? | 1. Observe the task and record the sequence of basic job steps. 2. Assess potential hazards of each step. 3. Suggest ways of eliminating and controlling the hazards. |
| More info... | Development of Safe Work Procedures Guidelines Safe Work Procedure Planner [doc] [pdf] SafetyNet Safe Work Procedure Form [Online development and searching] Staff Only Safe Work Procedure Form [doc] [pdf] SafetyNet Page |
What is a safe work procedure (SWP)?
A safe work procedure or SWP is a written instruction outlining the preferred method of performing a task/activity whilst emphasising ways to minimise any risk(s) of harm. A SWP outlines the potential hazards and associated controls measures to be applied.
When should a SWP be written?
A safe work procedure should only be developed if the need is identified:
- through the completion of risk assessment or hazard/incident report.
- as a legislative requirement.
What are the required documents?
Download the following documents to setup your own SWP's.
- Safe Work Procedure [Online] Staff and HDR Students only
- Safe Work Procedure Form [doc] [pdf]
- Development of Safe Work Procedures Guidelines
- Safe Work Procedure Planner [doc] [pdf]
Can SWP's be entered online?
Staff and Higher Degree Research Students have access to enter safe work procedures into SafetyNet.
How to review conformance with Safe Work Procedures?
The following document outlines this process:
Need more information? Please call the WHS Unit on extension 3931.
Quick Links
Use the following links to access various online safety systems.
WHS Legislation
The UOW session Work Health and Safety Awareness 2012 will assist you to understand changes to NSW Health and Safety Laws.



