Product Overview

Summary: This Hazard Assessment Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, repeatable method for identifying, assessing and controlling risks across Australian workplaces. It helps organisations move beyond ad‑hoc hazard checks to a structured, evidence‑based approach that supports WHS compliance and safer day‑to‑day operations.

This Hazard Assessment Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, end‑to‑end process for recognising, evaluating and controlling hazards in line with Australian WHS legislation and recognised risk management principles. It provides a structured framework that can be applied to any work environment—construction sites, warehouses, offices, workshops, healthcare, education and more—so that hazards are identified early, documented consistently and addressed before they result in incidents.

Instead of relying on informal walk‑arounds or individual judgement, this SOP standardises how your organisation conducts hazard assessments, from initial planning and consultation with workers through to risk rating, selection of controls and follow‑up verification. It clarifies responsibilities, embeds the hierarchy of control, and integrates with your existing risk register, incident reporting and training systems. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of injuries and regulatory non‑compliance, and create a defensible record of their hazard management activities.

The document is tailored for Australian workplaces, referencing relevant WHS Acts, Regulations and Codes of Practice, and using terminology that aligns with Safe Work Australia guidance. It is ideal for organisations seeking to formalise their risk management processes, prepare for audits, or strengthen their safety culture through consistent, transparent hazard assessment practices.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, documented approach to hazard identification and risk assessment across all work areas.
• Reduce the likelihood of injuries, near misses and property damage by proactively identifying and controlling hazards.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and support successful regulatory inspections and audits.
• Streamline communication and consultation between managers, supervisors, workers and HSRs during hazard assessments.
• Improve decision‑making by applying a clear risk matrix and hierarchy of control to prioritise actions and allocate resources.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• Project Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Safety Coordinators
• HR and Compliance Managers
• Small Business Owners
• Risk and Governance Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Slips, trips and falls on the same level and from heights
• Manual handling and musculoskeletal injury risks
• Plant and machinery hazards, including entanglement and crush points
• Electrical hazards, including damaged leads and unsafe equipment
• Hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods exposure
• Noise, vibration and other physical agents
• Psychosocial hazards such as work‑related stress, fatigue and aggression
• Confined spaces, hot work and other high‑risk work activities
• Fire and explosion risks
• Environmental hazards including poor lighting, temperature extremes and inadequate ventilation

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation Requirements
• 4.0 Triggers for Conducting a Hazard Assessment
• 5.0 Preparation for Hazard Assessment (Planning and Documentation)
• 6.0 Step‑by‑Step Hazard Identification Process
• 7.0 Risk Analysis and Risk Rating Methodology
• 8.0 Selecting Controls Using the Hierarchy of Control
• 9.0 Recording Findings and Updating the Risk Register
• 10.0 Communication, Consultation and Worker Involvement
• 11.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 12.0 Training and Competency Requirements
• 13.0 Links to Incident Reporting and Corrective Actions
• 14.0 Document Control and Recordkeeping Requirements
• Appendix A – Sample Hazard Assessment Checklist
• Appendix B – Example Risk Matrix
• Appendix C – Example Completed Hazard Assessment Form

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act (as implemented in relevant Australian jurisdictions)
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations (as implemented in relevant Australian jurisdictions)
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines
• AS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use