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Free Risk Assessment Template
A structured risk assessment template aligned with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Identify hazards, evaluate risks, and document control measures -- all in one practical document.
What Is a Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is a legal requirement under the WHS Act for all persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) in Australia. It is the formal process of identifying workplace hazards, evaluating the likelihood and consequence of harm, and implementing controls to eliminate or minimise risk.
The WHS Regulations require documented risk assessments for high-risk work, hazardous chemicals, confined spaces, and certain plant operations. Even where not explicitly required, a documented risk assessment is your strongest evidence of due diligence if a regulator comes knocking.
What the Template Covers
Hazard Identification
- Workplace walkthrough log
- Task-based hazard register
- Worker consultation records
- Incident history review
Risk Evaluation Matrix
- Likelihood rating scale (1-5)
- Consequence rating scale (1-5)
- Risk priority number calculation
- Colour-coded risk matrix
Control Measures
- Hierarchy of controls framework
- Elimination and substitution options
- Engineering and administrative controls
- PPE requirements and schedule
Review & Sign-Off
- Responsible person assignment
- Review date scheduling
- Worker acknowledgement section
- Management approval sign-off
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Risk Assessment FAQs
A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards in your workplace, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and determining appropriate control measures. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must manage risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable.
You should conduct a risk assessment when introducing new work processes, equipment, or substances; after a workplace incident or near miss; when a worker raises a health and safety concern; during workplace changes such as renovations or relocations; and at regular intervals as part of ongoing WHS management. The WHS Regulations specifically require risk assessments for high-risk work, hazardous chemicals, and certain plant and structures.
The person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for ensuring risk assessments are completed. In practice, this is usually done by supervisors, managers, or WHS officers in consultation with workers who perform the tasks being assessed. Worker consultation is a legal requirement under the WHS Act.
Risk assessments should be reviewed whenever there is a change to the work environment, after an incident or near miss, when new information about hazards becomes available, and at regular scheduled intervals -- typically every 6 to 12 months depending on the risk level. High-risk activities should be reviewed more frequently.
This template is designed to align with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and WHS Regulations as adopted across Australian jurisdictions. However, it is a general-purpose tool and may need to be adapted for your specific industry, hazards, and state or territory requirements. For a tailored risk assessment system, we recommend booking a consultation with our WHS specialists.
Need a Professional Risk Assessment?
Templates are a starting point. For site-specific risk assessments conducted by qualified WHS practitioners, book a consultation with our team.
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