Risk Register Template

A risk register is a centralised document that records all identified risks, their assessed risk levels, the control measures in place, and the status of risk management activities. It serves as the master record of an organisation's risk landscape and provides the basis for prioritising risk management efforts, allocating resources, and reporting on risk management performance.

This template provides a structured risk register format that captures each risk with its description, the hazard source, the potential consequences, the likelihood and consequence ratings, the inherent risk level, the control measures implemented, the residual risk level, the risk owner, the review date, and the current status. The register can be sorted and filtered by risk level, category, owner, or status to support management decision-making.

The template includes a risk assessment matrix for consistent risk rating, a risk category taxonomy aligned with WHS hazard categories, and a status tracking system that flags overdue reviews and incomplete control measure implementation. It provides both a summary view for management reporting and detailed entries for each risk.

A risk register is expected as part of any competent WHS management system. It provides the central record of the organisation's risk management activities and demonstrates that hazards have been systematically identified, assessed, and controlled. Regulators, auditors, and clients routinely request risk register documentation.

ISO 45001:2018 requires organisations to maintain documented information about their hazard identification, risk assessment, and determination of controls. A risk register is the most practical way to satisfy this requirement and to demonstrate the systematic management of workplace risks.

The risk register should be updated whenever new hazards are identified, risk assessments are completed or reviewed, control measures are implemented or modified, incidents occur that affect the risk profile, or organisational changes introduce new risks.

How This Is Different

This risk register template is designed by safety professionals who manage risk registers for Australian organisations. The template provides a practical format that supports active risk management, not just risk recording. The status tracking, review date flagging, and risk owner assignment ensure that the register drives action rather than becoming a static list of hazards. The template includes both the detailed register entries and a summary dashboard view suitable for management reporting. This dual-view approach means a single document serves both the operational risk management function and the management reporting function.