Risk Assessment Processes.

admin • December 16, 2024

In any workplace, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees is paramount. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through a comprehensive risk assessment process. This process helps identify potential hazards, evaluate the risks associated with them, and implement measures to control or eliminate these risks.

This is a continuous and ongoing process, as shown in the diagram above.

Step 1: Identify Hazards

The first step in the risk assessment process is to identify potential hazards in the workplace. Hazards can be anything that may cause harm, such as:

  • Mechanical Hazards: Machinery, equipment or other items that could cause physical or impact harm.
  • Chemical and Biological Hazards: Harmful substances or chemicals, including pathogens.
  • Source of Energy: Such as electricity, heat, noise, light and radiation.
  • Body Stressing or Impact Hazards: Activities which cause stress to the body. For example poor workstation design, repetitive movements, manual handling tasks and slip and trip hazards.
  • Gravity: Activities where a person can fall or an object can fall on people.
  • Psychosocial Hazards: Events, circumstances or systems of work which can lead to psychological illness, including stress, harassment, workplace violence and fatigue.

Step 2: Assess the Risks

Once hazards are identified, the next step is to assess the risks associated with each hazard. This involves evaluating the likelihood of the hazard causing harm and the severity of the potential consequences. Consider the following factors:

  • Frequency of Exposure: How often employees are exposed to the hazard.
  • Duration of Exposure: How long employees are exposed to the hazard.
  • Severity of Potential Harm: The potential impact on health and safety.

It can be useful to use the Likelihood Consequence Table to help with assessing the risks (see below).

Step 2: Implement Control Measures

After assessing the risks, it’s crucial to implement control measures to mitigate or eliminate the risks. Control measures can be categorized into:

  • Elimination: Removing the hazard entirely from the workplace.
  • Substitution: Replacing the hazard with a less dangerous one.
  • Engineering Controls: Isolating people from the hazard through physical changes to the workplace.
  • Administrative Controls: Changing work procedures or policies to reduce exposure to the hazard.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing employees with protective gear to minimize exposure.

It can be useful to use the Hierarchy of Control diagram to help you during this process (see below).

Remember that you must always use the highest possible level of control possible.

Step 4: Monitor and Review

Risk assessment is not a one-time activity. It’s essential to continuously monitor and review the effectiveness of the control measures. Regularly update the risk assessment to reflect any changes in the workplace, such as new equipment, processes, or personnel. Encourage employees to report new hazards and participate in the risk assessment process.

It is also important to make sure that your new control measure have not inadvertently introduced a new risk or hazard into your work environment.

Documentation

Documenting the risk assessment process is crucial for accountability and compliance. Keep detailed records of identified hazards, risk assessments, and implemented control measures. Communicate the findings and safety measures to all employees to ensure they are aware of the risks and how to protect themselves.

Consultation

Don't forget that at every stage of the risk assessment process, you must consult with the workforce. This is a legal obligation, but it is also extremely useful to the employer, as the workers who are doing the job are in the best position to identify risks and hazards in their own work environment and to find ways to control them too.

By following these steps and principles - organisations can create a safer work environment, reduce the likelihood of incidents and injuries, and promote a culture of safety. Remember, a proactive approach to risk assessment not only protects employees but also enhances productivity and morale.

Snakes in the workplace

By admin • December 15, 2025
Snakes are a natural part of the Australian environment, but when they enter worksites, they can pose significant risks. Snakes are most commonly encountered in industries such as construction and agriculture, but snakes can appear in any workplace – including in offices, warehouses, outdoor work areas, or storage spaces. Warm weather increases snake activity, making encounters more likely during summer months. The danger presented by snakes is very real, as snakebites can cause serious injury or death. Common Risk Factors There are certain workplace conditions which increase the likelihood of snakes appearing: Vacant sites : Snakes often move into quiet areas during holiday breaks or weekends. Shelter opportunities : Stored materials, rubble, sheds, and equipment provide dark, cool hiding spots. Food sources : Mice, frogs, and other small animals attract snakes to worksites. Hot weather : Snakes become bolder and more active in summer. Prevention Strategies As always, employers are required to reduce risks to health and safety in the workplace. They can do this by adopting proactive measures: Site housekeeping : Remove rubbish, debris, and unused materials where snakes could hide. Control food sources : Limit rodent and frog populations by managing waste and water. Protective gear : Wear gloves, boots and long pants when working outside or handling stored materials. Awareness training : Inform workers about snake risks, especially after site closures or during hot weather. First Aid training: ensure staff are trained in the initial response in the case of a bite. If a snake is seen in the workplace One of the most important safety messages is never provoke a snake. Most bites occur when people attempt to attack or handle snakes. If a snake is sighted: Stop work in the area immediately. Report the sighting to supervisors. Contact local authorities or licensed snake catchers to remove the hazard. First Aid for Snake Bites Your workplace should have a trained First Aider. The initial first aid for a bite should include: Lie the person down and keep them still. Applying a broad, firm bandage around the bitten limb, about as tightly as for a sprained ankle. Bandage over the bite site first and then bandage as much of the limb as possible, starting from below upwards. Keep the victim still and calm and splint the limb if possible. Do not cut, wash, or apply a tourniquet to the bite. Access immediate medical care - dial 000. Don’t forget that you will need to complete an incident report after a snake bite has occurred. Then, your risk management follow up processes should be followed. A snake bite may be classified as a notifiable incident, in which case it must be reported to WorkSafe Victoria – call 13 23 60 . Conclusion Snakes are a real workplace hazard , especially in construction, agriculture, and outdoor industries. If your workplace is high risk for snakes then you are required to control the risk of snake bite. Prevention and awareness are the best defence: keep sites clean, reduce food sources, and train workers. Never provoke a snake —leave removal to professionals. First aid knowledge can save lives in the event of a bite. By treating snakes as a legitimate occupational hazard, workplaces can protect their workers from a potentially fatal hazard. For more information, see the following resources: Snakes at work: why you should never handle one yourself | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au Snakes on sites - OHS Reps Notifiable incidents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 | WorkSafe Victoria https://stjohn.org.au/app/uploads/2025/08/Fact-sheets_snake-bite.pdf

Controlling the risk of Sun Exposure

By admin • December 15, 2025
Sun exposure is one of the most underestimated workplace hazards, especially for outdoor workers. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause serious health risks, but with the right protections, employers and employees can reduce these dangers. Why Sun Exposure is a Workplace Hazard UV radiation risk : Outdoor workers are exposed to UV radiation for long periods, which can lead to skin damage, sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancers. Eye health : UV rays can also damage the eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts and other vision problems. Heat stress : Extended time in the sun raises the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which can impair concentration and increase accident risks. Cumulative exposure : Unlike a one-time hazard, UV damage builds up over years, making outdoor workers particularly vulnerable. Employer Responsibilities The legislation prescribes that employers must provide a safe workplace that is without risks to health and safety. As such, employers must take steps to eliminate or reduce UV exposure risks so far as is reasonably practicable . This includes: Risk assessment : Identifying tasks and times of day when UV exposure is highest. Protective measures : Providing shade structures, scheduling work outside peak UV hours (10 am–3 pm), and rotating tasks to limit exposure. Education : Training workers on the dangers of UV radiation and how to protect themselves. Policy implementation : Establishing sun protection policies as part of workplace health and safety systems. Monitoring conditions : Being aware of UV index levels and reporting unsafe conditions. Consulting with employees : in relation to the hazard of sun exposure. Worker Responsibilities Under the OHS Act, employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own, and others, health and safety and to co-operate with measures taken by their employer to ensure health and safety. Employees can play a role in protecting themselves by, for example: Wearing protective clothing : Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection. Applying sunscreen : Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen should be applied regularly throughout the day. Hydration : Drinking water frequently to prevent heat stress. Monitoring and reporting: Being aware of UV index levels and reporting unsafe conditions. Building a Sun-Safe Workplace Culture Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes sun safety is essential. This means: Normalising sunscreen use and reapplication breaks. Encouraging workers to look out for each other’s wellbeing. Making protective gear accessible and mandatory. Recognising that sun protection is not just a personal choice but a workplace safety requirement. Key Takeaways Sun exposure is a serious occupational hazard for outdoor workers. Employers must provide protections such as shade, scheduling, and training. Workers must take proactive steps like wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen. A strong workplace culture around sun safety reduces risks and promotes long-term health. Sunlight is vital for life, but in the workplace, it must be managed like any other hazard. Hazard identification and risk control is a legal requirement under the OHS Act. By treating UV exposure with the same seriousness as machinery or chemicals, employers and workers can ensure safer, healthier outdoor environments. For more guidance in relation to this: Sun protection for outdoor workers | WorkSafe Victoria