The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and its regulations emphasize the significance of hazard identification and risk assessment in maintaining workplace safety. Key points include:
- OHS Act (8): Employers must create a risk-free workplace by eliminating or mitigating hazards.
- OHS Act (10): Manufacturers must ensure their products are safe and without risk.
- OHS Act (12): Employers are required to identify hazards and evaluate associated risks to employees' health.
- OHS Act (18): Health and safety representatives must identify potential workplace hazards and major incidents.
- Major Hazard Installation Regulations (5): Employers must conduct and submit risk assessments to relevant authorities.
- Construction Regulations (5): Clients are required to prepare baseline risk assessments for construction projects.
- Construction Regulations (9): Contractors must have competent personnel perform risk assessments before and during construction work.
- Construction Regulations (10): Fall protection plans must include risk assessments addressing procedures and methods for identified risks.
The goal of risk assessments is not excessive documentation but effective measurement and control of workplace risks. Training in hazard identification and risk assessment for health and safety representatives and management is recommended.