FREE WHS TEMPLATE
Free Risk Assessment Template (Word)
A simple risk assessment for any task, activity or area. Find the hazards, rate the risk, choose controls and record who you consulted. Editable in Microsoft Word, with step-by-step instructions, a 5 x 5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls.
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WHAT'S IN THE TEMPLATE
Everything a risk assessment needs, ready to fill in
Business, task and sign-off details
Your business details, the task or area, who may be affected, the reason for the assessment, who prepared and reviewed it, and the workers and HSRs consulted.
Hazard prompt list
Common hazards listed on the form, from manual tasks to psychosocial hazards, so nothing obvious is missed.
Risk assessment table
Risk before and after controls, actions, the responsible person and due dates.
PPE and plant checklist
Tick the PPE the task needs, list the plant and equipment, and record the maintenance checks required.
Risk matrix and hierarchy of controls
Consequence and likelihood tables, the 5 x 5 risk matrix with what each rating means, and the hierarchy of controls.
Instructions and review record
A one-page instruction sheet, worker consultation section and review record. Fully editable in Word, so add your logo and change anything to suit.
HOW TO USE IT
How to fill in a risk assessment, in five steps
Do it with the workers who do the task, and with your HSR if you have one. They know where the real risks are, and consulting them is part of your duty.
1
Describe the task
Name the task, area or activity, why you're assessing it, and who you consulted.
2
Identify the hazards
Walk the task, tick the prompt list, and add anything specific to your site.
3
Rate the risk
Use the matrix: how likely is harm, and how bad could it be?
4
Choose controls
Work down the hierarchy of controls, then re-rate the risk with the controls in place.
5
Act, sign and review
Give each action an owner and a date, share it with workers, and set the review date.
Example: one row, filled in
TASK
Unloading stock deliveries by hand
HAZARD
Lifting and carrying heavy cartons from the truck, causing back and shoulder strain
RISK BEFORE
Very High (12)
Likely (4) x Moderate (3)
CONTROLS
Ask the supplier to deliver on pallets and unload with a pallet jack. Use a trolley for loose cartons. Team lift anything awkward. Train staff in the procedure.
RISK AFTER
Low (4)
Unlikely (2) x Minor (2)
WHO AND WHEN
Warehouse supervisor, before the next delivery
THE RISK MATRIX
How the 5 x 5 risk matrix works
Score how likely harm is (1 to 5, down the side) and how serious it could be (1 to 5, across the top). Multiply them, and the cell where they meet gives the risk level. Rate each hazard twice: before controls and after.
Negligible (1)
Minor (2)
Moderate (3)
Major (4)
Substantial (5)
Almost certain (5)
Low
5
Moderate
10
Very High
15
Extreme
20
Extreme
25
Likely (4)
Low
4
Moderate
8
Very High
12
Very High
16
Extreme
20
Possible (3)
Low
3
Moderate
6
High
9
Very High
12
Very High
15
Unlikely (2)
Low
2
Low
4
High
6
High
8
Very High
10
Rare (1)
Low
1
Low
2
Moderate
3
High
4
High
5
1 to 6: Acceptable Manage the task with the controls in place and confirm they're working.
7 to 10: Acceptable with strict controls or short duration Review the controls and add further reasonably practicable controls. The supervisor approves them before work proceeds.
11 to 25: Unacceptable The work doesn't start, or stops, until the risk is reassessed and further controls reduce it.
CHOOSING CONTROLS
Use the hierarchy of controls
Start at the top and only move down when the control above isn't reasonably practicable. Most risks end up with a combination.
MOST EFFECTIVE
1. Eliminate
Remove the hazard altogether, so far as is reasonably practicable
▼
2. Minimise: one or a combination of these (same level)
Substitute
Swap for something safer
Isolate
Separate people from the hazard
Engineering
Change plant or processes
▼
3. Administrative controls
Procedures, training, signage and supervision for the risk that remains
▼
4. PPE
Personal protective equipment, last, for whatever risk is left
LEAST EFFECTIVE
A Substantial consequence is always rated at least High. Whatever the rating, eliminate the risk or, where that isn't reasonably practicable, minimise it so far as is reasonably practicable.
WHICH DOCUMENT?
Risk assessment, JSA or SWMS?
Risk assessment
Assesses a hazard, an area or an activity. Use it for new equipment, chemicals, changes to the work, or after an incident.
This page
JSA
Breaks one job into steps and controls the hazards in each step. Common for non-routine or higher risk jobs.
SWMS
The document the WHS laws require before high risk construction work starts. Victoria has its own list under the OHS Regulations.
Not sure? Read SWMS vs JSA vs risk assessment: what's the difference?
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