The Difference Between a JSA and SWMS
We regularly receive questions about the difference between a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).
What is a JSA?
A JSA (Job Safety Analysis) is a form of risk assessment, that details step-by-step how a task is to be carried out safely. Sometimes the JSA is called a JSEA and includes environmental aspects as well. The name does not matter.
Other than the employer’s general duty of care to ensure workers are trained and competent for their work, there are no specific legal requirements to have a JSA or any regulations prescribing the format or content for JSAs.
What Should a JSA Contain?
Typically, JSAs have four main components, these include:
Basic Steps - A step-by-step list of the basic activities of the task e.g. start machine.
Hazards – List of potential hazards at each step of the task.
Control Measures - Step-by-step instructions on how to safely carry out the task by controlling each identified hazard (the ‘DOs’)
Safety Precautions - Describe any Safety Precautions if the procedure doesn’t fully control the risks (the ‘DON’Ts’)
Click here to download our free JSA Template. It’s ready to use so you don’t have to create one from scratch.
So, What is a SWMS?
A SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) also details, step-by-step, how a task is to be carried out safely.
The difference between a JSA and a SWMS is that SWMS are prescribed for all High-Risk Construction Work (HRCW) under safety regulations in Australia and JSAs are good practice for physical work that is not HRCW.
What is High-Risk Construction Work (HRCW)?
HRCW are the 19 specific construction activities with the potential for serious harm if the activity is not conducted safely. For example; trenching, asbestos work, working at height etc.
Two things are legally required to be included in SWMS in each state of Australia:
You must identify the hazards associated with the tasks for High Risk Construction Work (HRCW).
You must also list the controls for each hazard for High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) and describe how the risk control measures are to be implemented.
Note: In Western Australia, SWMS must also include training and equipment.
What Should a SWMS Contain?
SWMS have three main components:
Basic Steps - Break the task into basic steps.
Key Hazards - List the key hazards at each step of the task.
Key Controls - Determine the key controls for each identified hazard (How the risk control measures are to be implemented.)
Each SWMS should be short, succinct and easy to understand. Ideally, it should fit on one page (double-sided).
SWMS for High Risk Construction Work
Tasks that are HRCW: List the HRCW activities included in this SWMS.
How will the SWMS control measures be monitored and reviewed? E.g. direct supervision, and regular spot checks.
Additional Duties for SWMS in Construction
Employers must ensure the SWMS for HRCW is complied with.
If the task or conditions change, the work must immediately STOP and the SWMS should be reviewed and updated.
SMWS are to be kept for the duration of the task. Under the WHS Regulations, a SWMS must also be given to the Principal Contractor before work commences.
What is NOT Legally Required in a SWMS?
The regulations do not prescribe the format of a SWMS and surprisingly, many details commonly seen on SWMS, are also not legally required.
Whilst companies may require additional optional information on their SWMS, safety laws do NOT mandate things like:
List of legislation or codes.
Consultation details.
Training records or worker’s sign-off.
Risk assessment rating.
Unnecessary details can distract from the primary purpose of the SWMS i.e. to identify and control the hazards. So, beware of fanatics trying to falsely enforce specific formats or content for JSAs or SWMSs.
If you’re unsure how much detail you should be including in your SWMS, read our article ‘Evil SWMS - The Devil Is In Too Much Detail’.
Use of SWMS and JSA Outside of Construction
The use of the term ‘SWMS’ has increasingly been used outside of HRCW, and this is where some confusion has arisen.
In some businesses, a SWMS is used for routine construction activities and a JSA for ad hoc tasks. Again, there are no legal rules here. Your business may call these documents whatever you like, as long as the SWMS contain the legal minimum outlined above.
Summary
If your process identifies all the hazards and outlines how they will be controlled during the task, then you have satisfied the legal requirement to provide a ‘safe system of work’, whether called a JSA or SWMS.
Gary Rowe has produced a short video on how to prepare an effective SWMS. Click here to watch.