Our Risk Assessment Process
A step-by-step look at how we conduct managed risk assessments — from initial scope to final documentation ready for regulators and insurers.
Why the process matters
Under the WHS Act, documentation of a risk assessment is not enough on its own — what matters is whether the process demonstrates genuine, competent management of the relevant risks. Regulators assess whether the assessment was real, not just whether a document exists.
Our process is designed to produce evidence of a genuine, systematic assessment — not a filled-in form.
How the assessment works
Scope and context
We establish the scope of the assessment: the work activities, locations, plant and equipment, and worker population involved. We review any existing documentation and relevant legislation or codes of practice.
Hazard identification
We identify hazards specific to your operations — not a generic industry list. This includes physical hazards, psychological hazards, plant and equipment, systems of work, and environmental factors.
Risk evaluation
Each hazard is assessed against a likelihood and consequence matrix aligned to Safe Work Australia guidance. We document the rationale for each score — not just the number.
Control selection
Controls are selected using the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. We document why each control was selected and what it achieves.
Residual risk assessment
After controls are identified, we assess the residual risk — the risk that remains once controls are implemented. If residual risk is not as low as reasonably practicable, additional controls are identified.
Documentation and review schedule
The completed assessment is documented in a format designed for regulatory review, insurance purposes, and internal governance. A review schedule is set, including triggers for reassessment.
What you receive
At the completion of the assessment, you receive documentation that records the full process — not just a list of risks and controls.
- Scope and context record
- Hazard identification log with site-specific detail
- Risk register with scored entries and scoring rationale
- Control schedule with hierarchy notation and rationale
- Residual risk summary
- Review schedule and reassessment triggers
Why it produces defensible evidence
- The assessment is conducted by an advisor with knowledge of WHS obligations, not completed from a template.
- Each step of the process is documented so it can be demonstrated to regulators, insurers, or in court.
- Scoring and control selection follow a methodology consistent with Safe Work Australia guidance.
- The documentation records the reasons behind decisions — addressing the questions that regulators and insurers ask.
Speak with a Risk Advisor
Find out what a managed risk assessment would cover for your business and how long it takes.
Contact a Risk Advisor