Confused About WHS Risk Assessments? Here’s How to Do It Right

 

In Australia, a thorough workplace risk assessment is the foundation of effective risk management. Whether you’re in construction, education, healthcare, or an office environment, every business must identify and manage workplace hazards to protect staff and stay compliant.

 

Under the Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act) and supporting Regulations, employers have a legal duty to manage health and safety risks to workers and others. According to Safe Work Australia, “duty holders must eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.” This responsibility extends to every workplace in Australia, including those in South Australia under the guidance of SafeWork SA.

Why a Risk Assessment Matters

 

A workplace risk assessment helps you:

✅ Identify hazards before they cause harm
✅ Protect workers and visitors
✅ Comply with your legal obligations under the WHS Act
✅ Reduce the likelihood of injuries, illnesses, or costly disruptions

 

Safe Work Australia reinforces the importance of risk management in its Model Code of Practice, “How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks.”

The 4-Step Risk Assessment Process

Safe Work Australia and regulators like SafeWork SA recommend a simple, practical four-step approach:

 

1️⃣ Identify hazards
2️⃣ Assess risks
3️⃣ Control risks
4️⃣ Review and consult

 

Let’s break it down:

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1️⃣ Identify Hazards

Start by inspecting the workplace and talking with your team. Look for anything that could cause harm—these are your hazards.

 

Common hazards include:

• Physical hazards (e.g., slippery floors, electrical risks, equipment hazards)
• Chemical hazards (e.g., toxic substances, fumes)
• Biological hazards (e.g., viruses, bacteria)
• Psychosocial hazards (e.g., workplace stress, harassment, bullying)

Remember: A hazard is anything that can cause harm, so encourage staff to report concerns. Workers often notice everyday risks that managers might miss.

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2️⃣ Assess the Risks

Next, assess each hazard by considering:

🔍 What could happen?
🔍 How likely is it?
🔍 How serious could the harm be?

 

This step is crucial for prioritising your controls. For example, a minor trip hazard might be low risk, but exposure to toxic chemicals can have severe consequences.

 

Risk assessments should consider:

• The severity of potential harm
• The likelihood of that harm occurring
• Who might be exposed

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3️⃣ Control the Risks

Once you’ve assessed the risks, decide how to control them. Use the hierarchy of controls to choose the most effective approach:

 

✅ Eliminate the hazard entirely if you can
✅ Substitute it with something safer or redesign processes
✅ Add engineering controls (e.g., machine guards, ventilation)
✅ Implement administrative controls (safe work procedures, training, supervision)
✅ Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and warning signs as a last resort

 

Safe Work Australia says, “Eliminating the risk is the most effective control. If you can’t, you must minimise it as much as reasonably practicable.”

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4️⃣ Review and Consult

After putting controls in place, check if they’re working. Risks evolve, so regularly review your risk assessment—especially after changes to equipment, processes, or staffing.

 

Consult with your workers and health and safety representatives. They’re often the first to spot new hazards or ways to improve safety. Keep detailed records of your risk assessment and any actions taken. These records help show compliance with your duties under the WHS Act.

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Resources and Best Practice

Safe Work Australia and SafeWork SA provide codes of practice and resources to help you manage workplace risks effectively. The Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks is a great starting point.

 

You can also refer to the Australian Standard AS ISO 31000:2018 for a framework to manage risks systematically.

Remember: risk assessments are not a one-time task. They should be reviewed and updated regularly to keep your workplace safe and compliant.

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Need Expert Help?

While this 4-step process is a solid foundation, workplace risk assessments can be complex—especially when you need to consider Australian Standards, WHS Regulations, and evolving best practices.

 

Not sure what your workplace needs to meet WHS requirements? Our WHS Advisors are here to answer questions, explain your obligations, and guide you every step of the way. We’ll:

✅ Identify and assess your specific hazards
✅ Develop practical control measures
✅ Ensure your workplace stays compliant with the WHS Act and Safe Work Australia guidelines

 

Contact us today for tailored risk assessments:

📞 Call (08) 8322 2279
📧 Email info@wlss.com.au

 

We’re here to help you protect your people, meet your legal obligations, and create a safer work environment.