324What is a safe work method statement?

324 What is a safe work method statement?

In this Part, a safe work method statement means a document that—

(a) identifies work that is high risk construction work; and

(b) states the hazards and risks of that work; and

(c) sufficiently describes measures to control those risks; and

(d) describes how the risk control measures are to be implemented; and

(e) is set out and expressed in a way that is readily accessible and comprehensible to the persons who use it.

Division 2—Control of risk

Subdivision 1—Duties of employers and

325 Control of risk

(1) An employer or self-employed person must, so far as is reasonably practicable, eliminate any risk associated with construction work.

(2) If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate a risk associated with construction work, the employer or self-employed person must reduce the risk so far as is reasonably practicable by—

(a) substituting, for the hazard giving rise to the risk to health or safety, a new activity, procedure, plant, process or substance that gives rise to a lesser risk to health or safety; or

(b) isolating persons from the hazard; or

(d) combining any of the risk control measures in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c).

(3) If the employer or self-employed person has complied with subregulations (1) and (2) so far as is reasonably practicable and a risk associated with the construction work remains, the employer or self-employed person must reduce the risk so far as is reasonably practicable by using administrative controls.

(4) If the employer or self-employed person has complied with subregulations (1), (2) and (3) so far as is reasonably practicable and a risk associated with the construction work remains, the employer or self-employed person must reduce the risk so far as is reasonably practicable by providing appropriate personal protective equipment to persons at risk.

2 Part 4 of the Act sets out the duty of the employer to consult with employees, including in respect of making decisions about the measures to be taken to control risks to health or safety. This consultation must involve the health and safety representative (if any). See also regulation 21.