Work Health & Safety policy template
The foundational safety policy for every Australian workplace. Outlines employer and employee obligations under WHS legislation, consultation requirements and your organisation's commitment to safety.
WHS policy
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Why every business needs a WHS policy
Under Australian WHS law, every person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has a primary duty of care to ensure the health and safety of workers. A documented WHS policy is essential evidence that you take this obligation seriously.
Officers (directors and senior managers) have personal due diligence obligations that cannot be delegated. A clear policy demonstrates that you have established systems to manage safety risks and meet your legal requirements.
Without a WHS policy, defending against prosecution is significantly harder. Regulators like SafeWork expect to see documented safety systems as evidence of due diligence.
Key elements of a WHS policy
What your Work Health & Safety policy should include
Commitment statement
Clear declaration of the organisation's commitment to workplace health and safety.
Responsibilities
Defined duties for employers, managers, supervisors and workers under WHS law.
Hazard management
Framework for identifying, assessing and controlling workplace hazards.
Consultation requirements
How the organisation consults with workers on safety matters.
Objectives & targets
Measurable safety goals and performance indicators.
Compliance commitment
Commitment to meeting all WHS legislative requirements.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive coverage of WHS requirements
Purpose & scope
Why the policy exists and who it applies to.
Policy statement
The organisation's commitment to providing a safe workplace.
Legislative framework
Reference to WHS Act, Regulations and Codes of Practice.
Employer responsibilities
Primary duty of care and specific obligations.
Worker responsibilities
Duties of employees, contractors and visitors.
Officer due diligence
Personal obligations of directors and senior managers.
Risk management
Approach to hazard identification and risk control.
Consultation & communication
How safety matters are discussed with workers.
Training & competency
Commitment to safety training and supervision.
Review & continuous improvement
How the policy is maintained and improved.
Who should use this template?
Essential for every Australian employer
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 WHS framework?
Download our comprehensive WHS policy template and demonstrate your commitment to workplace safety. Store this policy and track employee acknowledgements with RosterElf's HR software.
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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.