Risk Management and Hazard Control

# Risk Management and Hazard Control Risk Management and Hazard Control Work Health and Safety (WHS) Risk management is the core of workplace health and safety. It is the process of identifying hazards, assessing the risks they present, and implementing controls to eliminate or minimise harm. Hazard control is the practical application of this process, ensuring that risks are actively managed in day-to-day operations. In Queensland, managing risk is a legal requirement under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) and supported by Codes of Practice. Businesses are expected to take a proactive approach, meaning risks should be identified and controlled before incidents occur, not just after. Structured Approach We’ve gathered some resources to help you create a clear plan for managing risks in your business, keeping both employees and customers safe by preventing accidents and injuries. This kind of planning also makes a company run better, so things can get done more smoothly and efficiently. Plus, it helps businesses comply with the law and avoid fines by ensuring they meet safety standards. By promoting a strong safety culture where everyone values safety, companies can create a workplace where everyone feels protected and secure. We’ve gathered some resources to help you Core Risk Management Tools Risk Management Plan Template The Risk Management Plan Template is the central document for managing workplace risks. It provides a structured approach to identifying hazards, assessing the level of risk, and implementing appropriate control measures. Risk Management plans help your business to Identify hazards across all work activities Assess likelihood and consequence Apply control measures using the hierarchy of controls Document and review risk management decisions Download the Risk Management Plan Template.docx?d=w2e1b064841b5422baa3147d8bbcb2540&csf=1&web=1&e=Oayxtj) to help form the foundation of your WHS risk management system. Hazardous Manual Tasks Risk Management Worksheet This worksheet focuses specifically on risks associated with manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or repetitive movements. It helps your business identify hazardous manual tasks and assess posture, force, repetition, and duration, so you can implement controls to reduce strain and injury. This is particularly important in physically demanding environments where manual tasks are common. Download the Hazardous Manual Tasks Risk Management Worksheet WHS Action Plan Template The WHS Action Plan Template is used to prioritise and track safety improvements across your business by recording identified risks and required actions, assigning a responsibility for each action and allowing you to set timeframes and monitor progress. The action plan can be used to track compliance activities and improvements. This ensures that identified risks are not just documented, but actively managed and resolved. Download the Safety Fundamentals Action Plan Template.docx?d=wf7eb49381c30470680ef223c870b1f2c&csf=1&web=1&e=3sBT89) or the Safety Capability Action Plan Template and view the Action Plan Guide. Additional Risk and Hazard Control Tools Job Safety Analysis Form (JSA) / Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) A Job Safety Analysis Form (JSA) or Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a task-based risk assessment tool that breaks down a job into individual steps and identifies hazards at each stage. Businesses use these analyses to analyse how work is performed, identify risks before starting a task and apply controls at each step of the process to ensure consistent safety. JSA/JHA are highly practical and commonly used in day-to-day operations. Download the Job Hazard Analysis template here, or the Job Safety Analysis template. Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) A Safe Work Method Statement, or SWMS, is a formal document required for high-risk work, particularly in construction and high-hazard environments. SWMS outline the steps involved in a task, the associated hazards and the control measures to ensure work is carried out safely, designed to ensure high-risk activities are planned and performed safely. For more information on Safe Work Method Statements visit Safe work method statements | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au Download the Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Template here. Psychological Risk Assessment Psychological health is an essential part of workplace health and safety and should be managed with the same level of importance as physical risks. Work-related stress, fatigue, high workloads, and poor workplace relationships can all impact a worker’s well-being and ability to perform safely. Psychological risks are often less visible than physical hazards, but they can have serious and long-term effects on individuals and the workplace. A Psychological Risk Assessment helps businesses identify and manage these risks by considering how work is designed, organised, and supported. By addressing psychosocial hazards early, businesses can create safer, more supportive environments that improve well-being, reduce incidents, and strengthen overall workplace culture. For more information on psychological Risk and Psychosocial Hazards in the workplace, visit \- Psychosocial hazards | Safe Work Australia This tool is used to identify and manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace. It helps assess risks such as: Work-related stress High workloads Bullying and harassment Fatigue Managing psychological risks is a key part of modern WHS obligations and supports overall worker wellbeing. --- Hierarchy of Controls (Guidance Tool) A fundamental risk management principle used to determine the most effective control measures. Controls are applied in order of effectiveness: 1. Eliminate the hazard 2. Substitute the hazard 3. Isolate the hazard 4. Engineering controls 5. Administrative controls 6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) Using this hierarchy ensures that risks are controlled at the highest possible level. --- How These Tools Work Together These resources are designed to be used as a connected system: Risk Management Plan → identifies and assesses risks across the business JSA/JHA & SWMS → apply risk management at the task level Manual Task Worksheet & Psychological Risk Tool → address specific risk types WHS Action Plan → tracks and manages improvements Together, they ensure that risks are: Identified early Assessed consistently Controlled effectively Monitored and improved over time