Using documentation and various information sources is used throughout risk management. They can help you to understand your responsibilities and manage risks. Your workplace may already have many of these in place.
Documentation
There are various ways in which documentation can be kept within the organisation that relate to risks, business operational risks or physical risks. A Risk Management Plan can help you to manage and mitigate risks, it can include risks, actions and controls you will use.
OHS and risk management are processes that need to be taken seriously. All incidents, accidents and near misses should be documented to help avoid future occurrences and improve policies and procedures. Documentation is not just helpful but often legally required.
Form templates should be available for all staff to use to document any accidents or incidents. Staff should be trained to know how to correct use the forms to created detailed reports and meet any legal requirements. Documentation and reports are often used part of the continuous improvement process, if your documentation lacks information you may be unable to understand what went wrong and how to improve any issues.
Good documentation is part of ensuring that future incidents and accidents are avoided, making the workplace a safer and healthier place to be in.
Information sources
To maintain effective risk management, make sure to use sources and information available internally at your workplace and through external industry bodies. Using both internal and external sources will make sure you follow the relevant legislations and know how to put it into practice.
Sources in the workplace
Using reviews, tools and techniques to source information from others can assist you in identifying possible risk or hazards in the workplace. To narrow down a hazard or risk and to identify possible causes of a problem you can source other organisation data such as work, health and safety (WHS) information and data.
Expand each section to learn more about WHS information and data.
On site inspections can be used to make sure your organisation’s WHS goals and objectives are being met. In the case that a hazard and associated risks are found, corrective action can be taken to minimise or eliminate risk in the workplace. If you believe that your work site is not meeting its legal requirements then you can download a self-assessment to determine which risks need to be addressed in the safety inspection.
Employer groups represent a specific industry or type of business. The members of the employer group usually work with other businesses to build competitive to stimulate growth in Australia. Employer groups will ensure that their members are up to date with industry trends and will assist members in operating their business (industry) more effectively. Employer groups make sure that all employers have an opportunity to represent and promote their interests in the current and future markets.
First Aid Records must be maintained to ensure that you have a record of how many workers have been trained in providing first aid (Regulation 42 for the WHS Regulations) according to the nature of the work being carried out. Many first aid kits will usually have a form that requires staff to monitor which staff is using the facilities, what they are using the facilities for and/or if there has been a variation in their usage. Variations in usage can assist in identifying possible causes of hazards or risk in the workplace if the staff members problem is not some identifiable illness.
All hazards and incidents in the workplace must be investigated in a timely manner to ensure that risk is eliminated or minimised in the workplace. This means that employees need to report risks and complete accident/incident reports as part of their legal duty of care as a worker under the WHS Act. Investigations can be raised:
- as a normal part of operations
- upon request to ensure that changes already implemented are meeting their goals and objectives
- in response to an accident/incident report being raised.
Legislation and policies
Use external sources to help inform hazard identification, risk assessment and risk controls. Relevant legislation, standards, manufacturers’ manuals and specifications can be available online and at your workplace. Industry bodies are also a useful sources, they work with the government in the development of vocational education and training at both State/Territory and National Levels. The aim of industry bodies is to use experts who can assist on training needs and delivery to specific industries.
Australia’s five main industry bodies
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is Australia’s largest business association. It’s comprised of state and territory chambers of commerce and national industry associations.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is the peak body for Australian unions, made up of 38 affiliated unions who together represent about 1.8 million workers and their families.
The Australian Industry Group is a peak national industry association that champions the interests of businesses and provides access to insights and networks.
The Australian Institute of Training and Development is Australia’s primary body for learning and development professionals.
The Business Council of Australia is an industry association comprised of chief executives across a range of sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, information technology, mining, retail, financial services, energy, transport, health and telecommunications.
Introduction to risk management
Gain an introductory understanding of risk management including key terms, why it’s important and review an overview of the process.
Roles and responsibilities
Understanding your role will help you to recognise your duty throughout the risk management process.
Return to overview
Return to the Fundamentals of Risk Management overview page.