How to Minimise WHS Risks in Your Workplace
Minimising WHS risk so far as is reasonably practicable means that the risk is not eliminated but it is reduced to the lowest possible level that is "reasonably practicable." And that low level of risk could be the level of “extremely unlikely” or even less. Risk control is achieved by applying the hierarchy of control measures, as covered in the WHS Regulation 2017. These principles apply to all risk management actions.
If you research a number of Court judgements you will usually find that a workplace fatality or injury happened because;
the hierarchy of controls were not used, or
they were only partially used, or
they were used but the risk controls were not always applied.
The hierarchy of controls must be used
Clauses 35 - 36 of the WHS Regulation 2017 say that if a duty holder cannot eliminate a risk to health & safety so far as is reasonably practicable then they must minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable using one or more named control measures. The Code of Practice: How to Manage WHS Risks (pages 18/20) states;
“The ways of controlling risks are ranked from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest”
“The lower levels in the hierarchy are less effective because controls that change the hazard or minimise exposure to the hazard can only minimise the risk. You cannot eliminate the risk without eliminating the hazard.
Administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) are the least effective at minimising risk because they do not control the hazard at the source and rely on human behaviour and supervision. These control measures should only be used:
− to supplement higher level control measures (as a back-up)
− as a short-term interim measure until a more effective way of controlling therisk can be used, or
− when there are no other practical control measures available (as a last resort).”
Who must take action?
The PCBU, as the business entity, has the overall responsibility to ensure risks are managed.
Business owners and company directors, as "officers of the PCBU", must ensure actions translate to real-world activities. They get their leadership team to roll out the control measures assigned to the risks and hazards after consulting with staff on proposed solutions.
Managers and supervisors must supervise staff to follow the resultant control measures that have been established.
Staff must do their part to follow the rules and follow directions from supervisors and managers.
This is how a successful WHS management system works.
Knowledge of the hierarchy of control measures, and knowledge of one's role in WHS consultation procedures are essential for all staff who may have to deal with controlled WHS risks and hazards in their day-to-day jobs. One day they may need contribute their experiences, knowledge, and views, to reviews of previously controlled risks and hazards. Their input is valuable and must be considered before management make any decisions.
29th October 2019 (Revised 31 July 2024)