Healthcare

Healthcare SWMS Templates

Safe Work Method Statements and safe work procedures are essential for managing high-risk activities in healthcare settings under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025. Healthcare operations involve patient manual handling that causes more injuries than any other single task category, sharps with bloodborne pathogen risks, aggressive patients and visitors, hazardous chemicals including disinfectants and cytotoxic drugs, and radiation sources. All EHS Atlas templates include psychosocial hazard controls mandated from 1 April 2023, Healthcare Code of Practice mapping effective February 2026, and Section 26A binding code compliance effective 1 July 2026.

Manual Handling — Patient SWMS

Covers patient transfers, repositioning, toileting assistance, and mobility support. Addresses mechanical aid requirements, team lift protocols, and patient risk assessment.

Hazardous manual tasks

Sharps Management SWMS

Addresses needlestick and sharps injury prevention, safety-engineered device selection, disposal procedures, and exposure incident management including PEP protocols.

Work involving biological hazards

Chemical Disinfection SWMS

Controls chemical exposure during surface and instrument disinfection using glutaraldehyde, peracetic acid, chlorine-based products, and quaternary ammonium compounds.

Work involving hazardous chemicals

Aggressive Patient SWMS

Manages physical assault, verbal threats, and unpredictable behaviour from patients and visitors. Covers de-escalation, duress alarms, environmental design, and restraint procedures.

Violence and aggression

Lone Worker — Healthcare SWMS

Addresses risks of working alone in community visits, after-hours shifts, and remote healthcare settings. Covers communication systems, check-in protocols, and emergency response.

Lone and remote work

Medication Handling SWMS

Controls hazardous drug exposure during administration, preparation, and waste disposal. Covers cytotoxic drug handling, closed-system transfer devices, and spill management.

Work involving hazardous chemicals

Radiation Safety SWMS

Manages ionising radiation exposure during diagnostic imaging, fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine procedures. Covers dosimetry, shielding, and pregnant worker protocols.

Work involving radiation

Anaesthetic Gas SWMS

Controls waste anaesthetic gas exposure in operating theatres, recovery areas, and dental surgeries. Covers scavenging system maintenance, leak testing, and air monitoring.

Work involving hazardous chemicals

Infection Control SWMS

Addresses bloodborne and airborne pathogen exposure during clinical procedures, specimen handling, and patient care. Covers PPE selection, standard precautions, and exposure incident management.

Work involving biological hazards

Ergonomics — Healthcare SWMS

Controls musculoskeletal injury risks from sustained postures, repetitive tasks, and workstation design in clinical and administrative healthcare settings.

Hazardous manual tasks

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