Empty Risk Assessment Template for Australia

An Empty Risk Assessment template is a structured document that helps you comply with Australia's Work Health and Safety Act 2011 by systematically identifying, evaluating, and controlling workplace risks. This template provides the foundation for meeting your legal obligations as an employer or person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) under Australian WHS legislation.

When do you need this document?

You need an Empty Risk Assessment template whenever you're planning new workplace activities, introducing changes to existing processes, or conducting regular safety reviews. This includes before starting construction projects, implementing new equipment or procedures, engaging contractors, or when workplace incidents indicate potential hazards. The template is essential for manufacturing facilities, construction sites, offices, and any workplace where employees or visitors could be exposed to risks. You'll also need it when WHS inspectors request evidence of your risk management processes or when preparing for safety audits and compliance reviews.

Key legal considerations

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, you have a primary duty to ensure the health and safety of workers and others at your workplace, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures following the hierarchy of controls. Your risk assessment must be documented, regularly reviewed, and updated when circumstances change. The assessment should involve consultation with workers and their representatives, as required by WHS legislation. Key elements include hazard identification, likelihood and consequence analysis, current control measures evaluation, and additional control recommendations. You must ensure assessors are competent and that the assessment covers all reasonably foreseeable risks, including physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial hazards.

Legal requirements in Australia

Australian WHS legislation requires that risk assessments be conducted by competent persons with appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience. The Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 specify additional requirements for high-risk activities, hazardous chemicals, and specific industries. State and territory WHS laws may impose additional obligations, so you must ensure compliance with your local jurisdiction's requirements. The assessment must follow a systematic process: identify hazards, assess risks, control risks, and review control measures. Documentation must be maintained for the prescribed period and be available for inspection by WHS regulators. For certain high-risk work, specific qualifications or licenses may be required for the assessor. The template must also consider environmental risks under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 where workplace activities may impact the environment, and privacy considerations under the Privacy Act 1988 when personal information is involved in the assessment process.