ACCIONA received the 2026 Best WHS Innovation and Improvement Award at the Hunter Safety Awards in Newcastle recently for its AI-powered Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) tool, which streamlines safety documentation and improves consistency across major projects.

The award recognises practical solutions that make workplaces safer. The SWMS AI tool transforms a traditionally slow, paper-heavy process into a faster, more consistent system, enabling teams to focus on managing real risks rather than administrative tasks.

Graham Campbell, Group Head of Health and Safety, said the tool represents a significant cultural shift.

"The biggest win isn’t just the time saved - it’s the shift in mindset," Mr Campbell said.

"By making safety easier to engage with, the tool helps teams take ownership of risk management in real time.
“It builds consistency across projects while still allowing for local knowledge and input." He said.

Previously, preparing SWMS on large projects could take up to one or two weeks and require hours of administrative work. The new tool reduces that effort to minutes by guiding users through risk controls with built-in logic, ensuring alignment across our procedures.

The tool was developed collaboratively with engineers, supervisors, safety teams and subcontractors, alongside AI and ICT specialists.

This inclusive approach ensured the system was practical and user-friendly, rather than a theoretical exercise.

Testing and refinement took place across major projects including the Western Harbour Tunnel, Rockhampton Ring Road, Southern Program Alliance, M80 Ring Road Completion, Somerton Intermodal Terminal and Singleton Bypass.

The 2026 Best WHS Innovation and Improvement Award recognition at the 10-year milestone of the Hunter Safety Awards highlights the growing role of practical technology in improving workplace safety.

ACCIONA plans to continue refining the SWMS AI tool and exploring further applications to enhance safety outcomes across its projects.