Risk assessment checklist for workplaces in Victoria

In Victoria, workplace safety is both a legal and ethical responsibility, governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and OHS Regulations 2017. Whether you're running a café or scaling a tech startup, understanding your obligations, such as consulting employees, reporting incidents, and conducting risk assessments, is essential for compliance and creating a safe work environment.

What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic process used to identify, evaluate, and control potential hazards in the workplace. It involves examining all aspects of work to pinpoint what could cause harm to your staff, visitors, or anyone else affected by your business operations.

By assessing these risks, business owners can implement measures to minimise or eliminate them, ensuring a safer working environment.

Why are risk assessments important?

Risk assessments are essential for identifying potential hazards and introducing measures to mitigate them. This proactive approach helps prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses, while also boosting morale and productivity by fostering a safety-first culture.

But beyond safety, risk assessments are a legal obligation under Australian law.

Commonalities across all states

While each Australian state and territory has its own regulatory body and legislation, most—including NSW, Queensland, WA, South Australia, the ACT, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory—follow the nationally harmonised model WHS laws. Victoria, however, operates under its own Occupational Health and Safety framework.

Despite these differences, the core principles of workplace risk assessment remain broadly consistent across jurisdictions and require employers to:

• Identify hazards in the workplace

• Assess the risks associated with those hazards

• Implement control measures using the hierarchy of controls

• Consult with workers on health and safety matters

• Review and update risk assessments regularly

• Maintain documentation of risk management activities

• Comply with their respective WHS or OHS Acts

These shared responsibilities ensure a baseline of safety and accountability across the country.

Examples of common workplace hazards

• Physical: Slippery floors, exposed wiring, heavy machinery

• Chemical: Cleaning agents, industrial solvents

• Biological: Viruses, bacteria, mould

• Ergonomic: Poor workstation setup, repetitive tasks

• Psychosocial: Stress, bullying, workplace violence

Specific Victoria requirements

Unlike other Australian states and territories, Victoria does not follow the model WHS laws. Instead, businesses must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and the OHS Regulations 2017, which set out specific duties for employers, employees, and self-employed individuals.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), compliance means more than just good intentions—it requires documented processes and active engagement with workplace safety. Key legal obligations include:

• Providing a safe work environment, so far as is reasonably practicable.

• Consulting employees on health and safety matters that affect them.

• Reporting serious incidents and notifiable events to WorkSafe Victoria.

• Identifying and managing risks through formal assessments and controls.

To meet these requirements, businesses should maintain a suite of essential documents, including:

• Workplace health and safety (WHS) policies

• Hazard registers

• Incident logs

• Risk assessment records

• Training and induction documentation

• Consultation records

These documents not only support compliance but also demonstrate a proactive safety culture—something increasingly valued by employees, regulators, and insurers alike.

What is a Risk Assessment Matrix

A risk assessment matrix is a crucial tool for Australian employers to evaluate workplace hazards by mapping the likelihood of a risk against its potential consequences. This visual method helps prioritise risks and supports compliance with Work Health and Safety regulations under the WHS Act. By categorising risks from low to catastrophic, employers can implement appropriate controls to protect workers—especially in complex environments like construction, healthcare, or logistics.

As part of a broader WHS risk management process, the matrix aids in identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards, then reviewing the effectiveness of those controls. For instance, a high-likelihood, high-impact hazard like working at heights without protection would demand immediate action. Using the matrix not only aligns with standards but also promotes a proactive safety culture and informed decision-making across teams.

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, employers and self-employed persons in Victoria are legally required to prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) before commencing any  high-risk construction work.

A SWMS is a safety planning tool that:

• Identifies the specific high-risk construction activity

• Lists associated hazards and risks

• Details the control measures to manage those risks

• Describes how those measures will be implemented

• Must be written in a way that is accessible and understandable to workers

If work deviates from the SWMS, it must be stopped immediately until compliance is restored. This requirement applies to all duty holders, including PCBUs, supervisors, and workers.

Get help with your risk assessments with BrightHR

Conducting regular risk assessments is essential for maintaining a safe workplace. Luckily, BrightHR has risk assessment software to help. BrightSafe offers everything you need to remain compliant with Victoria OHS laws.

Just some of the benefits include:

• 80+ risk e-learning courses

• Real-time hazard reporting

• 24/7 advice helpline

• Mobile app for on-the-go safety management

Call us on 1300 029 198 or book a free product demo to see how BrightSafe can support your business.