Overview
Controlling risks is the most important step in the risk management process, and it’s about the practical things you can do to eliminate the risks or minimise them as much as you can if elimination isn’t possible. This should be guided by the likelihood and severity of the risks identified in your earlier risk assessment. Employers are responsible for managing WHS risks, including implementing controls, but they must do so in consultation with their workers – for example, ensuring they know how to use equipment safely. You can also seek advice from your WHS regulator to assist with complying with specific regulations in your state or territory.
Of course, some risks you can identify, assess and control on the spot – like a liquid spill on a tiled floor. For hazards like this where the risk is well known and understood (slipping and falling, leading to possible musculoskeletal injuries), controls can be implemented right away (e.g. a wet floor sign and prompt clean up) without the need to do a full risk assessment.
Every workplace is different. The best combination of control measures will be tailored to your organisation’s size, type and work activities to manage risks during both everyday operations and emergencies.
Activities for this week
Download our activity kit to access templates, guidance and more to use this National Safe Work Month!
Assessing how things can go wrong and how you can control risks
This week’s activity kit template will help you to think through work processes or situations to identify what could go wrong. Note any hazards, risks and control measures identified as you go. Once completed, you should consider the hazards and risks you identified and implement control measures to eliminate or minimise the risks, as much as possible.
- Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks
- Hazards
- Good work design
- Safe design
Update your risk register
Include the control measures you’ve identified in your risk register.