How do you conduct an effective risk assessment?

Carrying out a risk assessment is a structured approach that helps organisations pinpoint hazards, assess associated risks, and establish suitable measures to reduce or eliminate potential harm. This process is fundamental to successful risk management, playing a vital role in ensuring a safe working environment, fulfilling legal obligations, and advancing organisational objectives.

An effective risk assessment turns everyday work into practical risk decisions—not more forms. Work Safety Hub delivers WHS Risk Assessments that map credible scenarios, consequence pathways and performance-shaping factors (time pressure, interfaces, maintenance). We involve the people closest to the work to surface “work-as-done”, then prioritise the few controls that must hold. Findings are verified through targeted Safety Audits and Inspections so controls are usable across shifts and contractors, not just tidy on paper. People are the solution; error is normal; management response matters. If you need a rapid read on where to focus first, we can help, fast.

Engage Workers: Involve those who perform the tasks in hazard identification and control development.

Steps for Conducting an Effective Risk Assessment

Define the Scope and Objectives
- Clearly outline the activity, task, or system being assessed.
- Determine the purpose of the assessment (e.g., regulatory compliance, improving safety, addressing a specific incident).
Form an Assessment Team
- Include individuals with diverse expertise, such as safety professionals, frontline workers, and technical experts.
- Collaborate with those familiar with the tasks being assessed to ensure accuracy and practical insights.
Identify Hazards
- Systematically examine all aspects of the activity or workplace to identify potential hazards.
- Use tools such as checklists, workplace inspections, incident reports, or brainstorming sessions.
- Categorise hazards into types (e.g., physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychological).
Evaluate Risks
- Assess each identified hazard by analysing:
  - Likelihood: How probable is the hazard to cause harm?
  - Consequence: What would be the severity of the harm if it occurred?
- Use qualitative, quantitative, or semi-quantitative methods:
  - Qualitative: Simple risk matrices (e.g., low, medium, high).
  - Quantitative: Statistical models and probabilities.
  - Semi-Quantitative: Tools like bow-tie analysis or layer of protection analysis.
Determine Risk Levels
- Combine likelihood and consequence to determine the overall risk level.
- Use a risk matrix or other scoring system to prioritise risks for action.
Implement Controls
- Apply the hierarchy of controls to mitigate risks:
  1. Elimination: Remove the hazard entirely.
  2. Substitution: Replace the hazard with something less hazardous.
  3. Engineering Controls: Isolate people from the hazard (e.g., guardrails, ventilation systems).
  4. Administrative Controls: Adjust processes, provide training, or establish policies.
  5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide protective gear as the last line of defense.
Document the Assessment
- Record the findings, including:
  - Identified hazards.
  - Risk evaluation results.
  - Selected controls.
  - Roles and responsibilities for implementing controls.
- Use tools like risk registers to maintain a clear and accessible record.
Review and Revise
- Continuously monitor the effectiveness of implemented controls.
- Update the assessment whenever changes occur in the workplace, such as new processes, equipment, or incidents.
- Schedule regular reviews to ensure ongoing relevance.

Focus on Practicality: Select controls that are realistic, cost-effective, and aligned with operational needs.

Tips for Success

Use Tools and Techniques: Employ techniques like job safety analysis (JSA), fault tree analysis (FTA), or bow-tie analysis for deeper insights.

Assessment quality hinges on how well you test control effectiveness under real conditions. Our Critical Risk Reviews & Bowtie Analysis concentrate leaders on the handful of life-saving controls and stress-test usability under fatigue, abnormal operations and contractor interfaces. Where gaps appear, we facilitate Learning Teams with supervisors and crews to co-design small, testable changes, then track impact through follow-up checks. This turns assessments into operational reliability: fewer surprises, cleaner handovers, faster recovery. Make safety work, beyond paperwork. People are the solution.

Summary

Carrying out a thorough risk assessment requires a clear definition of the scope, diligent identification of hazards, careful evaluation of risks, and the implementation of appropriate controls, all within a structured framework. This method not only prioritises actions based on the assessed risk levels but also fosters continuous safety enhancements through regular monitoring and review. By bringing together a diverse team and utilising practical tools such as risk matrices and the hierarchy of controls, organisations can cultivate safer work environments and adhere to established best practices in risk management.

FAQ: Conducting an Effective Risk Assessment

1. What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic process used to identify hazards, evaluate associated risks, and determine appropriate control measures to reduce or eliminate harm.
It forms the foundation of a strong safety management system and supports compliance with the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011, WHS Regulations 2011, and ISO 45001:2018.

2. Why is conducting a risk assessment important?

Risk assessments help organisations to:

Prevent incidents and injuries by proactively managing hazards.
Comply with legal obligations under the WHS framework.
Support continuous improvement in health and safety performance.
Protect business continuity and reputation by reducing operational disruptions.

They also demonstrate due diligence — a key duty of officers under the WHS Act.

3. Who should be involved in the risk assessment process?

An effective assessment relies on collaboration.
Include:

Safety professionals (for methodology and compliance).
Frontline workers (who understand how work is actually performed).
Supervisors and managers (to ensure feasibility of controls).
Technical experts (for specialised equipment or processes).

Pro Tip: Engage workers early. Those who perform the task often know the real hazards and practical solutions.

4. What are the key steps in conducting a risk assessment?

Define the Scope and Objectives
Clarify what task, system, or process is being assessed and why (e.g., compliance, design change, post-incident review).
Form an Assessment Team
Bring together diverse expertise to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Identify Hazards
Examine the task, environment, and equipment. Use tools such as inspections, JSAs (Job Safety Analyses), or incident reports.
Categorise hazards as physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial.
Evaluate Risks
Assess likelihood and consequence using qualitative (risk matrix), semi-quantitative (bow-tie), or quantitative (statistical) methods.
Determine Risk Levels
Combine likelihood and consequence to prioritise which hazards need urgent action.
Implement Controls
Apply the Hierarchy of Controls in this order:
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Document the Assessment
Record all hazards, risk ratings, controls, and responsibilities in a risk register or similar system.
Review and Revise
Reassess whenever there are changes in processes, equipment, or incidents. Schedule periodic reviews to ensure ongoing relevance.

5. What tools and techniques can improve a risk assessment?

Using structured analytical tools enhances accuracy and transparency. Common methods include:

Job Safety Analysis (JSA): Breaks down tasks to identify hazards step by step.
Bow-Tie Analysis: Connects causes, controls, and consequences visually.
Fault Tree Analysis (FTA): Maps logical relationships between failures and incidents.
Risk Matrices: Simple visual tools for rating and prioritising risks.

6. How are risk levels determined?

Risk levels are derived by combining:

Likelihood (how probable an incident is), and
Consequence (how severe the outcome would be).

Most organisations use a risk matrix with categories such as Low, Medium, High, or Extreme.
This ensures consistent prioritisation of risks across all activities.

7. How should control measures be selected?

Controls must be:

Practical: Achievable within operational constraints.
Proportionate: Reflective of the level of risk.
Sustainable: Able to be maintained over time.

Focus on elimination or engineering solutions wherever feasible before relying on administrative controls or PPE.

Pro Tip: Select controls that balance safety and practicality — avoid over-engineering or relying solely on procedures.

8. When should a risk assessment be reviewed or updated?

Reviews are required:

When introducing new processes or equipment.
After an incident or near miss.
When legislation or standards change.
At scheduled intervals, typically annually or as specified in the safety management system.

Continuous monitoring ensures that risk controls remain effective and relevant.

9. How does risk assessment align with ISO 45001?

Risk assessment supports multiple ISO 45001 clauses:

Clause 6.1.1–6.1.2: Hazard identification and risk assessment.
Clause 8.1.1: Operational planning and control.
Clause 9.1.2: Evaluation of compliance and performance.
Clause 10.2: Incident investigation and corrective action.

Integrating structured risk assessments ensures a proactive, evidence-based approach to managing OHS risks.

10. What are the benefits of a structured risk assessment process?

Reduced incidents and injuries.
Improved compliance with WHS legislation.
Better decision-making based on evidence and collaboration.
Enhanced worker engagement and ownership of safety outcomes.
Continuous improvement through ongoing review and learning.