Key Criteria addressed in a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Plan

Key Criteria addressed in a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Plan

A Work Health and Safety (WHS) Plan (also known as a WHS Management Plan or Safety Management Plan) is a documented system outlining how a business manages health and safety risks. In Australia, it is mandatory for principal contractors on certain construction projects (e.g., over specified values in most jurisdictions) under the model WHS laws and state regulations. For general workplaces, it forms part of a broader WHS management system, aligned with standards like AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 and Safe Work Australia's model Codes of Practice. As of December 2025, plans must explicitly address psychosocial hazards (e.g., bullying, high job demands, poor support) with strengthened requirements across jurisdictions, including mandatory hierarchy of controls and prevention plans in some states (e.g., Victoria's new regulations effective 1 December 2025).

Effective WHS plans follow the systematic risk management process from Safe Work Australia's Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks (updated November 2024). Key criteria typically include:

1. Establish the Context

• WHS Policy and Leadership Commitment A clear statement of commitment to health and safety, including objectives, roles, and responsibilities. Identifies key personnel (e.g., names, positions, and specific WHS duties) and ensures officer due diligence.
• Worker Consultation and Participation Arrangements for consulting workers, health and safety representatives (HSRs), and committees at every stage. Includes mechanisms for feedback and involvement in decision-making.
• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Processes to systematically identify physical and psychosocial hazards (e.g., via inspections, audits, worker input). Assess risks for likelihood and severity, with specific focus on psychosocial factors like workplace interactions, job demands, and change management.
• Risk Control Measures Application of the hierarchy of controls (eliminate, substitute, engineering, administrative, PPE) to minimise risks so far as reasonably practicable. For psychosocial hazards, prioritise higher-level controls (e.g., redesign work rather than just training). Includes safe work method statements (SWMS) for high-risk activities.
• Site-Specific Rules and Induction Clear, accessible safety rules and arrangements to inform all workers (e.g., inductions, toolbox talks, signage).
• Training, Instruction, and Supervision Needs analysis, delivery, and records of training on hazards, controls, and procedures. Ensures competency for tasks, including psychosocial awareness.
• Incident Reporting, Investigation, and Emergency Procedures Processes for reporting, investigating, and correcting incidents/notifiable events. Includes emergency plans, first aid, and evacuation procedures.
• Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement Regular inspections, audits, and reviews of controls (e.g., after changes, incidents, or HSR requests). Maintain records and revise the plan as needed.
• Management of Contractors and Subcontractors Procedures for selecting, monitoring, and coordinating with others (e.g., reviewing their SWMS and safety plans).
• Record-Keeping and Accessibility The plan must be written, signed/dated, easily understood, kept up-to-date, and readily accessible (including retention for specified periods after incidents or project completion).

These criteria ensure proactive risk management, compliance with WHS laws, and prevention of harm. Plans should be tailored to the workplace size, risks, and industry—construction plans are more prescriptive, while general ones integrate into broader systems. With 2025 updates emphasising psychosocial risks nationwide, plans must now treat psychological health equivalently to physical safety.

Complete Corporate Services offers expert support in developing, reviewing, and implementing WHS plans, including psychosocial hazard assessments and compliance with current regulations (e.g., NSW WHS Regulation 2025, Victorian Psychological Health Regulations). We provide templates, audits, and training to create practical, effective plans that reduce risks and foster a safe culture. Contact us for tailored assistance to ensure your plan meets all key criteria and regulatory requirements.