Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment policy template
Establish a systematic process for identifying workplace hazards, assessing risks and implementing controls. Covers risk matrices, documentation standards and review requirements to meet WHS obligations.
Hazard & risk policy
PDF format • Ready to download
By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer
Why hazard and risk assessment matters
Under Australian WHS legislation, every PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) must identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures. A documented process for hazard identification and risk assessment is fundamental evidence of meeting this duty.
Risk assessment isn't a one-time exercise. Effective safety management requires ongoing hazard identification, regular review of existing assessments and continuous improvement based on incident learnings and workplace changes.
Without a systematic approach to hazard and risk management, you cannot demonstrate due diligence. This policy provides the framework for identifying, assessing and controlling workplace risks in line with WHS best practice.
Key elements of hazard & risk assessment
What your policy should cover
Hazard identification
Systematic methods for identifying potential hazards in the workplace.
Risk matrices
Tools for assessing likelihood and consequence of identified hazards.
Control hierarchy
Framework for eliminating or minimising risks using preferred control measures.
Documentation
Requirements for recording hazard assessments and control measures.
Regular reviews
Schedule and triggers for reviewing risk assessments.
Worker consultation
Involving workers in hazard identification and risk assessment processes.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive hazard and risk management framework
Purpose & scope
The policy's objectives and who it applies to across the organisation.
Hazard identification methods
Techniques including workplace inspections, incident analysis and job safety analysis.
Risk assessment process
Step-by-step approach to evaluating identified hazards.
Risk matrix explained
How to use likelihood and consequence ratings to determine risk levels.
Hierarchy of controls
Applying elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative and PPE controls.
Documentation requirements
Recording hazards, assessments and control measures in registers.
Review frequency
When to review assessments — annually, after incidents or when changes occur.
Worker consultation
Ensuring workers are involved throughout the process.
Training requirements
Competency requirements for conducting risk assessments.
Continuous improvement
How learnings from incidents and near misses inform future assessments.
Who should use this template?
Essential for every Australian workplace
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian WHS requirements at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your business, industry and specific workplace hazards. For high-risk industries, seek independent WHS professional advice.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with official Australian workplace health and safety requirements.
Ready to establish your risk assessment process?
Download our comprehensive hazard identification and risk assessment policy template and build a systematic approach to managing workplace risks. Store this policy and track employee acknowledgements with RosterElf's HR software.
Looking for more templates? Browse all safety & compliance templates
Hazard and risk policy FAQ
- A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm (a wet floor, chemicals, machinery). Risk is the likelihood that the hazard will actually cause harm combined with the severity of that harm. Risk assessment helps prioritise controls.
- Identify hazards, assess who might be harmed and how, evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm, implement controls using the hierarchy of controls (eliminate, substitute, isolate, engineer, administrative, PPE), and review regularly. See our guide on conducting a WHS assessment for detailed steps.
- Review risk assessments when hazards change, after incidents, when new information becomes available, and at regular intervals (annually for most workplaces). Document reviews and any changes to controls.
- Yes. This template provides a solid foundation, but you should tailor it to reflect your specific workplace hazards, industry requirements, and applicable WHS legislation. Consult with your workers and health and safety representatives during the customisation process.
- Distribute the policy during safety induction for new employees and via toolbox talks or safety meetings for existing staff. Ensure the policy is accessible on noticeboards or your intranet. Using HR software with policy management can track acknowledgements.
Related guides
Learn more about implementing this policy
Related templates
Build a complete safety management system
Disclaimer
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.