Desk Risk Assessment Template for Australia

A Desk Risk Assessment is a systematic evaluation of potential hazards and risks associated with desk-based workstations in your workplace. Under Australian law, this assessment is not just good practice—it's a legal requirement that helps you comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and demonstrates your commitment to employee wellbeing. The assessment examines everything from chair height and monitor positioning to lighting conditions and electrical safety, ensuring your workspace meets current safety standards.

When do you need this document?

You must conduct desk risk assessments whenever you establish new workstations, relocate existing ones, or when employees report discomfort or health concerns. Regular periodic assessments are also required, typically annually or when significant changes occur to the workspace. If you're implementing hot-desking arrangements, introducing new equipment, or have employees returning from injury, a comprehensive desk assessment becomes essential. The assessment is also crucial when setting up home office arrangements, as employers retain duty of care responsibilities even for remote workers under Australian WHS legislation.

Key legal considerations

Your desk risk assessment must identify all reasonably foreseeable hazards, including musculoskeletal risks from poor ergonomics, eye strain from inadequate lighting or screen positioning, and electrical hazards from faulty equipment. The assessment should evaluate both the likelihood and potential consequences of identified risks, then document existing control measures and recommend additional actions where necessary. You must ensure the assessment is conducted by a competent person with appropriate training in workplace risk assessment principles. Privacy considerations under the Privacy Act 1988 also apply when collecting personal information during the assessment process, requiring proper consent and secure storage of assessment records.

Legal requirements in Australia

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, employers have a primary duty of care to ensure the health and safety of workers, which explicitly includes providing safe systems of work and maintaining safe working environments. The WHS Regulations 2011 mandate that risk assessments must be systematic, documented, and regularly reviewed. Your assessment must align with AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management Standard principles, using appropriate risk matrices to evaluate and prioritise identified hazards. State-specific variations may apply, so you should also consider relevant state WHS legislation. Documentation requirements are strict—you must maintain records of all assessments, control measures implemented, and review dates. Failure to conduct proper risk assessments can result in significant penalties and may compromise your legal position if workplace injuries occur.