SWMS requirements in Victoria
In Victoria, a SWMS is required for high-risk construction work that poses a risk to someone's health or safety. Victoria doesn't follow the model WHS laws: its SWMS duties are in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic): Regulations 324 (contents), 327 (prepare and follow), 328 (review) and 329 (keep).
We check these laws every week. Last reviewed against each official legislation site on 12 November 2026.
At a glance
- Act
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)
- Regulation
- Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic)
- Regulator
- WorkSafe Victoria
- SWMS duties
- Regulations 324 (contents), 327 (prepare and follow), 328 (review) and 329 (keep)
- High-risk construction work
- Regulation 322: 19 kinds
- Construction project
- Principal contractor duties apply to projects of $350,000 or more
How Victoria's rules work
- Victoria doesn't follow the model WHS laws. The duties fall on the employer or self-employed person, and a SWMS is required where the high-risk construction work poses a risk to someone's health or safety.
- Its list has 19 kinds of high-risk construction work. Some are broader than the model's (any demolition counts, not just of elements that are load-bearing or keep the structure sound) and some narrower (roads and railways, but not shipping lanes or other traffic corridors).
- A SWMS must be reviewed when the work changes or there's a sign the controls aren't working, including after any incident.
- Keep it for the duration of the work. There's no 2-year rule after an incident, and no duty to give a copy to the principal contractor.
- For asbestos removal work, an asbestos control plan counts as the SWMS for that work. Other high-risk construction work done alongside it, such as working more than 2 metres up, still needs a SWMS.
High-risk construction work in Victoria
Victoria's list, in regulation 322 of its OHS Regulations, has 19 kinds of high-risk construction work. Some are broader than the model's and some narrower, so check it there rather than relying on the model's list. Victoria's OHS Regulations
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Victoria has its own OHS Regulations 2017, with 19 kinds of high-risk construction work. This list follows the model, so check where they differ: WHS laws by state Regulator: WorkSafe Victoria
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General information, not legal adviceLaw checked weekly · last reviewed 12 Nov 2026WHS Regulations r291Report a problem
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Common questions
- Do I need a SWMS in Victoria?
- Yes, for high-risk construction work that poses a risk to someone's health or safety. Victoria's rules are in its Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic).
- Who is the work health and safety regulator in Victoria?
- WorkSafe Victoria.
- When do principal contractor duties apply in Victoria?
- Principal contractor duties apply to projects of $350,000 or more.
SWMS requirements in other states and territories
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Australian Capital Territory
- Compare every state
This is a summary for planning, not legal advice. Check the current law with your regulator, especially before relying on a recent change.