Comprehensive risk assessments identifying workplace hazards, assessing likelihood and consequence, and determining proportionate control measures. Complies with WHS Act and reduces incident likelihood.
The Challenge
You don't formally assess risks—you assume you know the hazards
Risk assessment is a paper exercise done once, never reviewed
Workers aren't involved in risk assessment, so real hazards are missed
Hazards are identified but controls aren't implemented or monitored
You don't use a consistent methodology, so risk assessment is subjective
What's Included
Clear, standardised approach to identifying hazards, assessing risks, and determining controls.
Templates for hazard identification, risk assessment, and control determination for your specific workplace.
Comprehensive register of all workplace hazards, assessed risks, and control measures.
Visual matrix showing likelihood and consequence, helping assess risk consistently.
Documentation of all control measures: what, why, who's responsible, timeline, monitoring.
Schedule for reassessing risks (at least annually, after incidents, after changes).
Why It Matters
Risk assessment is core to the WHS Act. It's a systematic process of identifying what could harm workers and determining what control measures are needed. It's not about creating lengthy documents—it's about identifying real risks in your workplace and addressing them. Good risk assessment involves workers (they know the hazards best), uses a consistent methodology (likelihood × consequence = risk), and applies the hierarchy of controls (eliminate, substitute, engineer, administer, PPE). Risk assessment also creates a documented record that you've assessed hazards and determined appropriate controls—important for due diligence if an incident occurs.
Systematic hazard identification across the workplace
Risk assessment using standardised methodology
Priority control measures for highest risks
Documented evidence of WHS due diligence
Reduced incident likelihood through targeted controls
WHS Act compliance
The Process
Workplace walk-through to identify all potential hazards
Hazards documented with description and location
For each hazard: likelihood and consequence assessed (low, medium, high)
Risk rating determined (likelihood × consequence)
Control measures identified for each risk (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE)
Responsibility for implementing controls assigned
Timeline for implementation established
Effectiveness of controls monitored and assessed
Best For
Businesses in higher-risk industries or with significant workplace hazards
Growing teams where formalising WHS is needed
Organisations wanting to reduce incident likelihood
Owners wanting documented WHS due diligence
Complementary Services
Complete WHS policy framework covering hazard identification, risk assessment, incident reporting, emergency procedures, and worker consultation. Meets Work Health and Safety Act requirements and demonstrates due diligence.
Complete incident management system: immediate response, incident reporting, investigation, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and prevention of recurrence. Ensures compliance with WHS Act reporting and learns from incidents.
Calendar of WHS compliance obligations: workplace inspections, medical reviews, training updates, equipment maintenance, health and safety committee meetings, and regulatory review dates.
FAQ
A hazard is anything that could cause harm: sharp objects, electrical equipment, heights, chemicals, noise, repetitive work, environmental hazards. If it could potentially cause injury or illness, it's a hazard.
Consider how likely the hazard is to cause harm (low, medium, high based on frequency of exposure and controls) and what the consequence would be (minor injury, serious injury, death). Risk = likelihood × consequence.
Use the hierarchy of controls: eliminate if possible; substitute with something less hazardous; engineer a control (guard, ventilation); use administrative controls (procedures, training, limits); use PPE (last resort). The best control is elimination; worst is PPE alone.
At least annually, and whenever something changes (new equipment, new process, incident, regulatory update). After implementing controls, reassess to confirm risk has reduced to acceptable level.
Include workers who do the job (they know the hazards best), supervisors, managers, and possibly external experts for complex risks. Worker involvement is a WHS Act requirement.
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch
We can help you implement risk assessments and start seeing results. Book a consultation to discuss your specific needs and explore how this service can transform your business.