As an employer, you need to conduct a systematic risk assessment to help you identify the hazards that exist in your workplace, and how they may put your workers at risk. To determine if you’ve done enough to protect your workers, it helps to use a rating system as part of your risk assessment.
Decide who might be harmed and how
For each hazard, you need to be clear about the groups of people who might be harmed. This will help you identify the best way of controlling the risk. Be sure to ask your workers if there are any groups you may have missed.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Certain groups of workers may have specific requirements according to the OHS Regulation. These groups may include new and young workers, temporary workers, contractors, and those working alone.
- Make sure you have included notifications and training for people who might not be in the workplace all the time, such as visitors, contractors, or maintenance workers.
- Take members of the public into consideration if they could be hurt by your activities.
- If you share your workplace with another business, consider how your work affects the workers from that business (and vice versa).