WHS Compliance Checklist for Small Businesses

Quick answer: A compliant small business WHS system needs a WHS policy, completed risk assessments, up-to-date registers (hazard, incident, chemical, training), SWMS for high-risk work, a worker induction process, an emergency plan, adequate first aid, maintained PPE and plant, workers compensation insurance, and organised records. Use the checklist below to identify any gaps.

Last reviewed: June 2026 by the BlueSafe Technical Team. Reflects current Model WHS Act and Regulations.

Running a small business does not reduce your legal obligations under work health and safety law. As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you have a duty to ensure the health and safety of your workers and others — so far as is reasonably practicable — regardless of how many people you employ.

The checklist below breaks your WHS compliance obligations into practical, actionable items grouped by topic. Work through each section and tick off what is in place. Any unchecked item is a gap worth addressing.

For a deeper look at what these documents should contain, see our guide to WHS Documents for Small Business and our overview of What Is a WHS Management System.

1. WHS Policy

A written WHS policy is in place and signed by the business owner or most senior person.
The policy states the business's commitment to health and safety and the duties of workers.
The policy is displayed or accessible to all workers (noticeboard, intranet, shared folder).
The policy has been reviewed in the last 12 months (or after a significant change).

2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments

A formal hazard identification process has been conducted across all work areas and tasks.
A hazard and risk register is in place, listing each identified hazard, its risk rating, and controls.
Risk assessments use a recognised framework (likelihood × consequence matrix or equivalent).
Higher-risk tasks have documented job safety analyses (JSAs) or risk assessments.
Risk assessments have been reviewed after any incident, near-miss, or change in process.

3. Registers

Hazard Register

All workplace hazards are listed in a hazard register with assigned risk ratings.
Controls are documented alongside each hazard.
The register is accessible to workers and reviewed regularly.

Incident and Near-Miss Register

An incident register is in place and all incidents and near-misses are recorded.
Each entry includes date, description, persons involved, and corrective action taken.
Notifiable incidents have been reported to the relevant state regulator.

Chemical / Hazardous Substances Register

A register of all hazardous chemicals used or stored on site is maintained.
Current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are held for every chemical on the register (within 5 years of issue).
SDS are accessible to workers in the work area where chemicals are used.

Training and Competency Register

A training register lists every worker's completed inductions, licences, and certifications.
Expiry dates for licences and tickets (e.g. high risk work licences) are tracked.
Training records are kept for a minimum of 5 years.

4. Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for High-Risk Construction Work

All high-risk construction work (HRCW) tasks have been identified.
A SWMS exists for each identified HRCW task before that work begins.
Each SWMS lists the high-risk work, the hazards, and the controls to be applied.
Workers performing the HRCW task have read, understood, and signed the relevant SWMS.
SWMS are kept on site and readily available during the work.
SWMS are reviewed and updated when the work changes or a risk is identified.

5. Worker Induction and Training

A documented site or workplace induction process is in place for all new workers (including contractors and labour hire).
Induction covers: emergency procedures, hazards, PPE requirements, reporting processes, and worker WHS rights and obligations.
Induction completion is signed off and recorded in the training register.
Ongoing toolbox talks or safety briefings are conducted and recorded.
Workers performing tasks that require a licence or certification hold the relevant current credentials.
Workers have been trained in the use of any hazardous chemicals or plant they operate.

6. Consultation

Workers are consulted on WHS matters that directly affect them (as required by the WHS Act).
A mechanism for consultation is in place (e.g. toolbox talks, a health and safety representative, a WHS committee, or regular team meetings with a WHS agenda item).
Workers are informed of the outcomes of WHS decisions that affect them.
If workers have requested a Health and Safety Representative (HSR), the election process has been followed.

7. Emergency Plan

A written emergency plan is in place for the workplace.
The plan covers: emergency contacts, evacuation procedures, assembly points, and responsibilities.
Emergency contact numbers (including the nearest hospital, poisons information line, and state WHS regulator) are posted in a visible location.
Evacuation diagrams are displayed at relevant locations.
Emergency drills or evacuations have been practised and dated records kept.
The emergency plan has been reviewed after any changes to the workplace layout or personnel.

8. First Aid

An adequately stocked first aid kit is provided and accessible in the workplace.
The first aid kit contents are checked and replenished regularly (and dates recorded).
At least one worker with a current first aid certificate is available during working hours.
Workers know the location of the first aid kit and who the first aider is.
First aid arrangements are appropriate for the nature and location of the work (remote or high-risk work may require more comprehensive provisions).

9. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The need for PPE has been assessed for all tasks and work areas.
Appropriate PPE has been provided to all workers who need it, at no cost to the worker.
Workers have been trained in the correct use, fit, and maintenance of their PPE.
PPE is inspected regularly and replaced when worn, damaged, or expired.
PPE use is enforced and non-compliance is addressed.

10. Plant and Equipment Maintenance

A register of plant and equipment is maintained (including any registered plant such as pressure vessels, forklifts, scaffolding, and cranes).
A maintenance and inspection schedule is in place for all plant.
Pre-start checks are conducted and recorded for relevant plant (e.g. forklifts, elevated work platforms).
Only workers with the appropriate licence or training operate licensed plant.
Defective or unsafe plant is tagged out of service immediately and repaired before returning to use.
Design and item registration requirements for registered plant have been met with the relevant regulator.

11. Insurance

Current workers compensation insurance is in place and covers all workers.
The certificate of currency is accessible and can be produced on request.
Public liability insurance is current and adequate for the nature of the business.
Insurance requirements for labour hire workers, subcontractors, and volunteers have been reviewed.

12. Record Keeping

WHS records are organised and stored securely (physical or digital).
The following records are retained for the required periods: incident reports (5 years), training records (5 years), hazardous chemical exposure records (30 years where applicable), and SWMS (duration of project plus at least 2 years).
Records are accessible to workers, HSRs, and regulators when requested.
A system is in place to ensure records are not lost when staff change or systems are updated.

Frequently asked questions

Does a small business need a WHS policy?

Yes. Under the WHS Act, all persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) — regardless of size — must ensure the health and safety of workers so far as is reasonably practicable. A written WHS policy is the foundation of that commitment and is typically the first document a SafeWork Inspector will ask to see.

What is a hazard register and do I need one?

A hazard register (also called a hazard and risk register) is a document that lists identified hazards, their risk rating, and the controls in place to manage them. It is not explicitly mandated by name in most WHS legislation, but it is the standard tool used to demonstrate that you have conducted hazard identification and risk assessment as required by the WHS Act. Inspectors expect to see one.

When is a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) legally required?

A SWMS is legally required for any high-risk construction work (HRCW) as defined under the WHS Regulations. This includes work involving risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, work near energised electrical installations, demolition, and more than a dozen other specific categories. A SWMS must be prepared before the work begins and must be kept readily available on site.

How often should WHS records be reviewed?

There is no single prescribed review frequency for all records, but best practice is to review your WHS management system — including your risk assessments, emergency plan, and training records — at least annually and after any incident, near-miss, or significant change to the business. Many regulators recommend a full review whenever there is a change to processes, people, or the workplace.

Get your WHS documents sorted

A checklist identifies the gaps — a WHS Management System fills them. Blue Safe Online provides ready-to-use, regulator-aligned WHS documents built for small businesses.

Ready to close the gaps? Explore Blue Safe Online.

This article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. WHS laws vary between states and territories. Always confirm current requirements with your relevant state or territory WHS regulator or seek independent legal advice for your specific situation.