Section 3.1 – Risk & Safety Procedures

Why We Ask These Questions: 

  • To manage risks before they escalate, and harm anyone. 
  • Effective WHS systems identify hazards, document controls, and prevent repeated incidents. 

What It’s Based On: 

  • WHS Act – ss 19–21: Primary duty of care and officers’ due-diligence obligations 
  • WHS Regulations – rr 31–53: Managing risks, consultation, inspections, emergency planning 
  • Heavy Vehicle National Law – s 111: Container Weight Declarations for export consignments 
  • Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks; Managing the Work Environment and Facilities; Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination; Emergency Plans 

What We’re Looking For: 

Question Why It Matters What You Need to Show 
Traffic-management plan or procedure Separates vehicles and pedestrians to prevent on-site collisions. Written Traffic Management Plan or procedure, signed off by a competent person. 
Risk assessments or SWMS/JSA for every job Identifies hazards up front and sets out controls before work starts. Completed Risk Assessment forms or Safe Work Method Statements/Job Safety Analyses for each task. 
Quarterly workplace inspections Regular checks catch new hazards before someone is hurt. Inspection logs with date, inspector’s name, findings and follow-up actions recorded. 
Annual emergency-evacuation drill Tests your emergency plan and ensures everyone knows what to do when the alarm sounds. Drill report showing date, attendance list, evacuation time and debrief notes. 
Toolbox talks held and recorded Keeps your team up to date on risks, controls and any site changes. Toolbox-talk register with date, topic, presenter and staff signatures. 
Hazard-reporting system in place Enables workers to report hazards immediately so you can act before someone is injured. Copies of hazard-report forms or digital logs, and records of corrective actions taken. 
Incident and injury register maintained Mandatory under WHS law; lets you spot trends and meet reporting duties. Up-to-date incident/injury register detailing date, type of incident, people involved and outcomes. 
Accident-investigation procedure Thorough investigations prevent repeats and show you took your duty seriously. Written accident-investigation procedure and a sample completed investigation report. 
Drug and alcohol policy implemented Reduces impairment-related risks and meets best-practice standards. Policy document, evidence of staff acknowledgment and any testing records (if in use). 

QUARTERLY WORKPLACE INSPECTIONS 

When: At least every 3 months 

Legal Basis by State/Territory 

State/Territory Regulation 
NSW WHS Reg 2017 r 39 
VIC OHS Reg 2017 r 61 
QLD WHS Reg 2011 r 35 
SA WHS Reg 2012 r 40 
WA WHS Reg 2022 r 39 
TAS WHS Reg 2012 r 39 
ACT WHS Reg 2011 (ACT) r 39 
NT WHS Reg 2011 (NT) r 39 

ANNUAL EMERGENCY EVACUTATION DRILL 

When: At least once a year 

Legal Basis by State/Territory 

State/Territory Regulation 
NSW WHS Reg 2017 r 43(3) 
VIC OHS Reg 2017 r 349 
QLD WHS Reg 2011 r 43 
SA WHS Reg 2012 r 43 
WA WHS Reg 2022 r 43 
TAS WHS Reg 2012 r 43 
ACT WHS Reg 2011 (ACT) r 43 
NT WHS Reg 2011 (NT) r 43 

INCIDENT AND INJURY REGISTER 

When: Immediately; keep records ≥ 5 years 

Legal Basis by State/Territory 

State/Territory Regulation 
NSW WHS Reg 2017 rr 49; 51–52 
VIC OHS Reg 2017 rr 55; 57–58 
QLD WHS Reg 2011 rr 49; 51–52 
SA WHS Reg 2012 rr 49; 51–52 
WA WHS Reg 2022 rr 49; 51–52 
TAS WHS Reg 2012 rr 49; 51–52 
ACT WHS Reg 2011 (ACT) rr 49; 51–52 
NT WHS Reg 2011 (NT) rr 49; 51–52