Key Strategies to Manage Work Health and Safety (WHS) Risks

Key Strategies to Manage Work Health and Safety (WHS) Risks

Work Health and Safety (WHS) risks in Australia are managed under the model WHS laws, adopted by most jurisdictions, which require persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to eliminate risks so far as is reasonably practicable, or minimise them if elimination is not possible. This includes both physical and psychosocial hazards, with strengthened obligations for psychosocial risks nationwide as of December 2025 (e.g., Victoria's new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 effective from 1 December). Guidance comes from Safe Work Australia's model Codes of Practice, such as How to manage work health and safety risks and Managing psychosocial hazards at work.

The core approach is a systematic risk management process involving four steps, applied ongoingly:

• Identify Hazards Find what could cause harm, through workplace inspections, worker consultations, incident reviews, and data analysis. Consider physical hazards (e.g., machinery, chemicals) and psychosocial hazards (e.g., high job demands, bullying, poor support, workplace violence).
• Assess Risks Evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm if exposed to the hazard. Use tools like risk matrices or templates from regulators. For psychosocial risks, assess factors like work design, interactions, and environment.
• Control Risks Implement the most effective measures using the hierarchy of controls (applied mandatorily for psychosocial risks in many jurisdictions):
• Eliminate: Remove the hazard completely (highest level).
• Substitute: Replace with a safer option.
• Engineering controls: Isolate or modify (e.g., redesign tasks).
• Administrative controls: Change work practices (e.g., policies, training, workload management).
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Last resort (e.g., safety gear). Prioritise higher-level controls, especially for psychosocial hazards (e.g., alter work management or design rather than just training).
• Review and Monitor Controls Regularly check if controls are effective, especially after incidents, changes, or feedback. Update as needed and maintain records for compliance evidence.

Additional key strategies include:

• Consult Workers and Representatives Mandatory at every step—workers have practical insights. Involve health and safety representatives (HSRs) and committees.
• Provide Information, Training, Instruction, and Supervision Ensure workers understand hazards, controls, and safe procedures. Tailor training to roles and include psychosocial awareness.
• Address Specific Hazards Proactively Follow codes for high-risk areas (e.g., hazardous chemicals, machinery). For psychosocial hazards (now explicitly regulated everywhere), use prevention plans in some states (e.g., Victoria, Queensland for certain risks) and focus on root causes like job demands or organisational justice.
• Maintain Records and Report Incidents Document assessments, controls, and consultations. Report notifiable incidents to regulators promptly.
• Foster a Safety Culture Lead from the top, promote reporting without fear, and integrate WHS into daily operations.

These strategies reduce incidents, claims, and penalties while improving productivity and morale. With recent emphases on psychosocial risks (e.g., mandatory hierarchy application in NSW and other updates in 2025), businesses should audit systems urgently. Complete Corporate Services offers expert support in WHS risk assessments, policy development, training, and compliance with current laws (including psychosocial obligations).