A smarter way to manage risk with SWMS

If you’ve ever been asked for a risk matrix as part of your SWMS – or you're working on sites where safety documentation needs to be a bit more detailed – HazardCo's latest update is worth a look.

Keeping people safe on-site is a big responsibility, especially when high-risk construction work is involved. Whether you’re working at heights, running machinery or managing airborne dust, having a clear, simple plan in place makes a big difference.

That’s where HazardCo’s new SWMS with Risk Matrix could help.

It adds a new layer of clarity and structure to your Safe Work Method Statements, helping you show how risks are identified and controlled – and making that process easier for everyone on the job.

What’s new?

This update includes a built-in Risk Matrix to help you assess and manage hazards. It prompts you to think about two key things:

• Likelihood – how likely is it someone could get hurt?
• Consequence – how bad would the injury be if it did happen?

By showing the risks before and after your controls are in place, it gives you a visual way to communicate what’s been done to manage them. This helps when you’re planning work, having safety chats with the team, or sharing documentation with others on-site.

When would you use it?

Risk matrices are often needed when you’re quoting for government or commercial jobs, or going through prequalification with a builder or principal contractor.

But they can also come in handy for everyday work - like:

• Toolbox talk
• Planning new jobs or changes on-site
• Reviewing a near miss or incident
• Talking through safety with your team
• It’s a good way to keep your crew involved and confident in the process.

Why it’s worth using

• Stay compliant without overcomplicating things
• Quickly spot what needs your attention
• Cut back the paperwork
• Keep clearer records
• Have the right level of detail when you need it

How to get started

SWMS with Risk Matrix is available on HazardCo’s Premium and Complete plans.

If your work includes high-risk activity, bigger jobs or tender submissions, this new feature can help you stay on top of your health and safety responsibilities - and spend less time buried in paperwork. Learn more here.

This article is intended for general information only. For guidance on your legal obligations or specific site requirements, please refer to your local regulator or a qualified health and safety professional.