Resources

Health & Safety Guides

Expert guides on SWMS documents, risk assessment, and workplace safety compliance for NZ and Australian professionals.

In-Depth Guides
Guide

How to Write a SWMS: Complete Guide for NZ & AU

Everything you need to know about writing a compliant Safe Work Method Statement. Covers HSWA 2015, WHS Act requirements, the 10 required sections, risk matrices, hierarchy of controls, and a step-by-step writing process.

12 min read
Guide

SWMS Template NZ: Why Static Templates Fail and What to Use Instead

A critical look at traditional SWMS templates and why they create compliance gaps. Compare static Word templates to AI-generated, task-specific documents with proper risk analysis and controls.

10 min read
Guide

Hierarchy of Controls Explained: 6 Levels with Construction Examples

Master the hierarchy of controls with real-world construction examples for each level. Learn why control order matters, the most common mistakes, and how to apply the two-level rule in your SWMS documents.

10 min read
Guide

5x5 Risk Matrix Guide: How to Assess and Rate Construction Risks

A complete breakdown of the 5x5 risk matrix used in construction safety. Includes likelihood and consequence scales, colour-coded matrix, worked examples for working at heights and excavation, and when to stop work.

10 min read
Articles
Article

When Is a SWMS Legally Required?

Find out when a Safe Work Method Statement is legally required in NZ and Australia. Covers high-risk construction work categories, who must prepare a SWMS, and penalties for non-compliance.

8 min read
Article

SWMS vs JSA vs JSEA: What's the Difference?

Understand the differences between SWMS, JSA, JSEA, JHA, and SPA. Learn when each safety document is required and how they complement each other on site.

8 min read
Article

PCBU Duties Under HSWA 2015: What You Need to Know

Understand your PCBU duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Covers primary duty of care, officer due diligence, and penalties for non-compliance.

8 min read
Article

WorkSafe NZ Compliance: SWMS Requirements Explained

What WorkSafe NZ expects in a SWMS, how inspections work, common enforcement actions, and how to prepare for a site visit. A practical compliance guide.

9 min read
Article

Residual Risk: What It Means and How to Calculate It

Learn what residual risk is, how to calculate it using a risk matrix, and what to do when residual risk remains unacceptably high. Includes worked examples.

9 min read
Article

Why PPE Should Never Be Your First Control Measure

Why PPE is the last resort in the hierarchy of controls, not the first. Understand why higher-order controls are more effective and what inspectors look for.

8 min read
Article

How to Identify Hazards on a Construction Site

Systematic guide to identifying hazards on construction sites. Covers hazard categories, site walk-through checklists, commonly overlooked hazards, and HAZID techniques.

9 min read

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