WHS Hazard Assessment Guide for Australian Businesses

What is a WHS Hazard Assessment?

A hazard assessment identifies potential dangers in your workplace that could cause harm to workers. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, every Australian employer must identify hazards and assess the risks they pose. Failure to do this can result in fines up to AUD 3 million and criminal prosecution.

Hazard vs Risk: What is the Difference?

Hazard: A potential source of harm. Example: A wet floor is a hazard.

Risk: The likelihood and severity of harm from the hazard. Example: A wet floor in a busy workplace has high risk of slips and falls.

Step-by-Step Hazard Assessment Process

Step 1: Identify Hazards

Walk through your workplace and identify anything that could cause harm:

• Physical hazards (slips, trips, falls, noise, chemicals)
• Biological hazards (bloodborne pathogens, mold)
• Chemical hazards (cleaning products, solvents)
• Ergonomic hazards (repetitive strain, poor posture)
• Psychological hazards (stress, bullying, harassment)

Step 2: Assess Risk Level

For each hazard, rate the likelihood and severity:

• Likelihood: How often could someone be exposed? (High, Medium, Low)
• Severity: How serious could the harm be? (Death, Serious injury, Minor injury)
• Overall Risk: High, Medium, or Low based on both factors

Step 3: Implement Control Measures

Use the Hierarchy of Controls to reduce risk:

1. Eliminate: Remove the hazard entirely
2. Substitute: Replace with safer alternative
3. Engineer: Design physical controls (guards, ventilation)
4. Administrative: Procedures, training, supervision
5. PPE: Personal protective equipment as last resort

Step 4: Document and Review

Record all hazards, risks, and controls in a Risk Register. Review regularly and update when:

• New processes or equipment introduced
• Changes to workplace or work practices
• Incidents or near-misses occur
• Annually at minimum

WHS Hazard Assessment Checklist

• ☐ Identified all physical hazards
• ☐ Identified all chemical hazards
• ☐ Identified all biological hazards
• ☐ Identified all ergonomic hazards
• ☐ Identified all psychological hazards
• ☐ Assessed likelihood of harm
• ☐ Assessed severity of harm
• ☐ Implemented control measures
• ☐ Documented in Risk Register
• ☐ Communicated hazards to workers
• ☐ Provided training on controls
• ☐ Scheduled annual review

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