Risk Assessment Templates — WHS Compliant for Australian Workplaces

A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards in the workplace, evaluating the likelihood and consequences of harm, and determining the control measures needed to eliminate or minimise the risk. Under the WHS Act 2011, PCBUs have a duty to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls so far as is reasonably practicable.

Our risk assessment templates go beyond generic risk matrices by providing hazard-specific assessment frameworks. Each template is designed for a particular risk category such as manual handling, confined spaces, electrical work, chemical exposure, or psychosocial hazards. The templates include the specific hazards, exposure criteria, and control measures relevant to that risk category.

The templates follow a consistent methodology using a 5x5 likelihood and consequence matrix that produces defensible risk ratings. Each template includes guidance on assessing both the inherent risk before controls and the residual risk after controls are implemented, demonstrating the effectiveness of the risk management process.

Risk assessments are required under the WHS Act 2011 whenever a PCBU identifies a hazard that has the potential to cause harm. While the Act does not prescribe a specific risk assessment format, the WHS Regulation 2025 requires documented risk assessments for specific hazard categories including hazardous manual tasks, confined spaces, hazardous chemicals, and noise exposure.

Beyond the regulatory requirements, documented risk assessments are expected as part of any competent safety management system. Regulators, auditors, and clients routinely request risk assessment documentation as evidence that hazards have been identified and managed. A well-prepared risk assessment is one of the most important documents in demonstrating due diligence.

Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, whenever work conditions change, when new hazards are identified, after incidents or near misses, and when workers or health and safety representatives request a review.

How This Is Different

Our risk assessment templates are built by occupational hygiene professionals who understand workplace hazards at a technical level. Each template provides the specific exposure criteria, regulatory requirements, and control measures relevant to the hazard category being assessed, not just a generic risk matrix. Generic risk assessment templates provide an empty matrix and leave the user to identify hazards from scratch. Our templates provide a professional starting point with common hazards pre-identified, relevant exposure limits documented, and industry-accepted control measures listed. This saves significant preparation time and reduces the risk of overlooking critical hazards.