Performing a Risk Assessment

A question you often hear at the University is, ‘Have you done a risk assessment?’. 

It is useful to understand when a risk assessment is and is not required.   

If the answer is YES to any of the below, you do need to perform a risk assessment.

Consider the sequence of steps involved in carrying out the task from start to finish.

☐ Does the activity expose the worker to any hazards which could result in a significant injury or illness (e.g. medical treatment, hospitalisation)?

☐ Does the activity involve the use of an item of plant/equipment or chemical in a different way to how the manufacturer intended?

☐ Does the task involve the use of a hazardous chemical or nanoparticles?

☐ Is the activity an event (e.g. function such as an open day), or require the co-ordination of a number of tasks which could impact on the safety of the worker(s) completing the task or others in the vicinity?

☐ Is the activity to be conducted in a different workplace/environment to normal and modification to the workplace or process is required?

☐ Are there any concerns/uncertainty that the activity (e.g. tools and equipment, chemicals, the work environment, the physical/mental/emotional demands of the tasks) may place a worker at risk of injury/illness?

A risk assessment is an “in good faith” assessment of the hazards identified and

• the likelihood a worker will be exposed to that hazard, combined with
• the most credible consequence or outcome should a worker be exposed.

The hazard identification (ID) process should always consult with the workers performing the tasks or their representative.

If you are about to perform a complex task for the first time and are unsure about the hazard ID process a checklist is available here:

• 5 step hazard management process (Word Doc / PDF)

The University has a number of templates which can be used for different situations.  See below.  All of these use the same risk matrix.

• Short form risk assessment (Word Doc / PDF)
• Single task risk assessment (Word Doc / PDF)
• Multiple tasks risk assessment (Word Doc / PDF)
• Event safety checklist and risk assessment template  (Word Doc / PDF)
• Off-campus activity - hazard management (Word Doc / PDF).

Listing controls

We list controls because these clearly tell the supervisor, worker and staff what needs to be in place to do the task safely.  Controls need to be:

• Specific.  If eye protection or gloves need to be worn it must specify the type.
• Mandated. The choice of controls should not be decided by workers, using their judgement or their assessment.  By law the University is responsible for deciding the controls that should be in place and making sure they are used. 

Often listed as a control is something called a Safe Operating Procedure (SOP). These should only be used when necessary, as once they are listed in the risk assessment as a control, they are the mandated process which must be followed every time by the worker.

See below for a decision tool on when to use an SOP:

• Safe operating procedure (SOP) decision tool (Word Doc / PDF)

And below for a template:

• Safe operating procedure (SOP) template (Word Doc / PDF)

Records Management

Proof of risk assessments and copies of SOPs is required.

• File your completed risk assessment and SOP
• Refer to HSW advice - Local HSW records management for further information.

Use the HSW Procedures and FAQs to obtain useful information about the management of a hazard within your risk assessment:

For further assistance on the risk assessment process, refer to the Hazard Management Procedure.