Frequently Asked Questions

In simple terms it's the process for determining the level of risk (good or bad) in relation to a thing. 

That thing could be a piece of plant or equipment or an activity involving a variety of actions.

In terms of safety, its how you determine the risks of harm associated with the work your business does and ways to minimise those risks from eventuating.

No you don't need to conduct a risk assessment for everything. 

In Australia, the laws say to eliminate hazards and if that is not reasonably practicable, to minimise the risks from the hazard, so far as is reasonably practicable.

This is often achieved through a risk management process which involves conducting a risk assessment. However if the risks are already known and control measures are effective or the controls are clear in the regulations then you don't need to do a risk assessment.

A risk register is a way to record the risks identified within the business. 

This could be an Excel spreadsheet or Sharepoint site or third party proprietary platform (such as WHS Online). 

It should record what the hazard is, the risks associated with that hazard, the controls in place to manage the risks and who 'owns' the hazard. 

Other useful information for a register can include:

•  a unique way to identify the hazard (e.g. #1, #2 or Ops 1, Man 1 etc), 
• the level of risk or risk score,
• review dates
• person responsible for the review (or to ensure it is carried out)

Unfortunately, SWMS (commonly pronounced 'swims') or Safe Work Method Statements are often used out of context and asked to be produced for the simplest of tasks. 

A SWMS sets out the way in which work is to be carried out in a safe manner listed in a logical order. They identify the hazard and risk and controls for each step of the work. 

Under the legislation, a SWMS is required to be prepared when 'high risk construction work' as defined by your state's regulation is involved.

State regulators provide examples and templates that you can use (search their site or go to our resource page), but once completed they need to provided to the Principal Contractor before the work commences.

SWMS's do not need to be provided for every high risk activity you do, one SMWS can capture all HRCW activities if it makes sense to do so.

You don't need to 'sign onto a SWMS' either. Workers need to be consulted as part of the preparation of a SWMS and those workers need to be recorded (hence the misconception of 'signing on') but you can have your own SWMS because 'signing onto' someone elses SWMS indicates you were consulted in the preparation of that SWMS.

Most certainly you can and its actually easier if you do. We often see multiple multi-page SWMS for one project when one SWMS will do.

For example, a civil project involving the realignment of stormwater drains under a road could be covered in one SWMS that calls out the various HRCW for the entire project and then sets about breaking down the project into sections that involve those HRCW activities, such as:

1. Operating plant and equipment 
2. Working at ground level
3. Working below ground level
4. Working with high voltage electricity

Then under each section you just list the activities the workers will be doing and the hazards and risks associated with the activity and the controls to be implemented to manage the risks.

At the end of the day, anyone should be able to grab a SWMS and ask 'where are you up to on the SWMS' and it should coralate with what is being done on the ground. If there is a difference then either the SWMS needs to be reviewed or the work needs to change.

Yes and No... 

There is no legal requirement that every business must have a health and safety committee however that Act does require one to be established when requested to do so by the workers.

And the Act certainly doesn't stop a business from creating one if it feels the need to.

However, to comply with the requirements of the Act, committees do need to be established in a certain way and cover some specific topics all of which is clearly stated in the Act. 

There is some flexibility in how a committee is run, including its terms of reference or constitution, but standard requirements are not having more management representatives and meeting at least every quarter.

If you need help establishing or reveiwing your committee, drop me a line.

While you might not be 'running a business' being unicorporated or a volunteer organisation still means you need to be aware of your legal requirements under health and safety laws.

You can certainly outsource the management of health and safety risks however it does not obsolve a person of their legal duty under the legislation.

Duties are not transferable but you can bring in external parties to help with the management of risks, especially if some of those risks require specialised skills (such as ensuring chemicals or dangerous goods are stored and handled in a safe manner).

While we certainly work hard to look after businesses in our local community, we provide services right across Australia. 

From clients in Perth to Darwin and all the way to suburban Melbourne. Whether it is an onsite presence or online support, we can certainly formulate a plan that works for you and your business.

Funny that this is always the most asked question. We're not one to say don't use our services and see how much it costs you but its a bit like trying to build a house yourself rather than getting in a professional. 

Yes, consultants can be expensive however we have tried to make it as cost effective as possible. Consider our inhouse support through our partnership program for example. For a fraction of the cost to hire a full time or even part time employee, we can provide the same service if not better as we can focus purely on the task at hand. 

And the real saving to a business comes in the form of superannuation, leave and tax payments. Plus if its not working out its easier to get a new consultant in that fits without having to worry about a visit from the Fair Work Commissioner.  

So while it can seem expensive on paper, don't let costs put you off. If you need help reach out and we can work something out. That's why we are here to partner, advise and grow you and your business.