High-Risk Construction Work and SWMS Orientation Awareness
A plain-English introduction to High-Risk Construction Work (HRCW) and the Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) it triggers. Learn the categories of construction work that make a written SWMS mandatory, a fall over 2 metres, energised electrical services, confined spaces, trenches over 1.5 metres, demolition, asbestos, tilt-up and precast, work near traffic and mobile plant and more, what a SWMS is for, how to follow one and the legal duty to stop work the moment the job departs from it. This is awareness of when a SWMS is required and how to comply, not a course in writing one.
~50 minutes100% online, self-paced6 months access from the day of course start
What You Will Learn
Explain what High-Risk Construction Work is and why it triggers a mandatory Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
Recognise the categories of construction work that require a SWMS, including a fall risk over 2 metres, energised electrical services, confined spaces and trenches deeper than 1.5 metres
Describe what a SWMS must contain and how to read and follow one before and during the work
Apply the legal rule that work must stop if it is not carried out in accordance with the SWMS, and describe the worker's role
Identify how the rules differ across the model WHS states, Victoria's OHS Regulations and South Australia's 2026 change, and the limits of this awareness course
Course Content
1. What HRCW is, and what a SWMS is for
2. When is a SWMS mandatory? The trigger list
3. What's in a SWMS, and how to follow one
4. Stop work if the job leaves the SWMS: your role
5. Awareness, not authorisation: using this the right way
6. Apply it: one refurbishment, three calls
Final Assessment - 10 questions, 80% pass mark, retakes available
Who This Course Is For
Anyone who does or supervises construction work, trades, labourers, apprentices, subcontractors and site inductees, who needs to recognise when a Safe Work Method Statement is legally required and how to follow one on the tools.
Accreditation: This is a non-accredited awareness course only. It is not a nationally recognised qualification, not a Statement of Attainment from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and not a high-risk work licence, and it does not authorise you to carry out any high-risk construction work. It teaches you to recognise when a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is required and how to follow one; it does NOT qualify you to write, review or authorise a SWMS. It complements, and does not replace: the WorkProof SWMS and JSA course, your employer's site-specific procedures, a White Card, or any licence, ticket or trade competency the work requires. For writing SWMS or performing licensed high-risk work, go to your employer or an RTO.
Suggested next course
Construction Site Safety Awareness (Pre-Induction)
$49 per person
$49.00
Prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.
Duration
~50 minutes
Format
100% online, self-paced
Lessons
6
Assessment
10 questions (80% to pass)
Certificate
Instant, verifiable
Access period
6 months access from the day of course start
Who it’s for
Anyone who does or supervises construction work, trades, labourers, apprentices, subcontractors and site inductees, who needs to recognise when a Safe Work Method Statement is legally required and how to follow one on the tools.
Buying for a team? Set the quantity to the number of people. You’ll receive an enrolment code for each seat.
