Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Provide a safe workplace, safe systems, training and supervision, safe plant and substances, consultation, and monitoring. Manage both physical and psychosocial risks.

Overview

Do what is reasonably able to be done to eliminate or minimise risk, considering likelihood, severity, known controls, availability and suitability, and cost — cost is the last consideration.

Overview

A simple, working system covering roles and responsibilities, a hazard and risk process, incident reporting, consultation, training and competency, contractor management, document control, and review.

Overview

Only what you use: policy, procedures for key risks, risk assessments, SWMS where required, training and competency records, consultation records, incident and near-miss records, and maintenance and inspection logs.

Overview

Officers must actively ensure WHS resourcing, systems, reporting, legal compliance, and verification.

Overview

A serious offence where conduct causes death and constitutes a negligent or serious breach. Seek legal advice. Focus on prevention through critical risk controls.

Overview

Use multiple inputs: inspections, worker consultation, incident trends, task analysis, manufacturer information, and change management.

Overview

Eliminate first, then substitute, isolate, or apply engineering controls, then administrative controls, then PPE. Combine controls where needed.

Overview

Simple means clear roles, a few repeatable routines, and evidence. Defensible means documented decisions and verification.

Overview

When doing high-risk construction work (HRCW) and for tasks where it is required by law or contract. SWMS must be followed and reviewed.

Overview

A JSA/JHA is a task risk assessment tool. A SWMS is specific to high-risk construction work with legal requirements. Both must be implemented.

Overview

Share relevant information, give workers a chance to contribute, consider their views, and advise outcomes.

Overview

HSRs are elected by workers; committees support broader consultation. Requirements depend on requests and workplace size and structure.

Overview

Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision needed for safety. Some training is mandated by licence or high-risk work; much is required because the risk requires it.

Overview

Competency means knowledge, skill, and application. Verify through observation, assessments, authorisations, and refresher triggers.

Overview

Supervision must be adequate for the risk, worker experience, and task complexity.

Overview

PCBUs share duties. You must manage risks you influence or control. Coordinate, consult, and verify.

Overview

Standardise: short induction, role-based add-ons, pre-start verification, and digital records.

Overview

Certain serious injuries or illnesses, deaths, and dangerous incidents must be notified immediately. Preserve the site.

Overview

Inspectors may enter, ask questions, review documents, and issue notices. Be cooperative, take notes, and action notices promptly.