The obligation
The second step is assessing risks, if necessary: understanding how serious the harm from a hazard could be and the likelihood of it happening.
A risk assessment involves considering what could happen if someone is exposed to a hazard and the likelihood of it happening. It can help a PCBU determine how severe a risk is, whether existing control measures are effective, what action to take to control the risk, and how urgently it is needed. Where a hazard and its risk are well known and have well established and accepted control measures, a formal risk assessment is not required and the controls can simply be implemented.
- What
- The second step is assessing risks, if necessary: understanding how serious the harm from a hazard could be and the likelihood of it happening.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Step 2: assessing risks is a WHS requirement set out in How to manage work health and safety risks (FEDERAL). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is How to manage work health and safety risks > Risk Assessment § 3.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Step 2: assessing risks is a WHS obligation under How to manage work health and safety risks (FEDERAL). In short, The second step is assessing risks, if necessary: understanding how serious the harm from a hazard could be and the likelihood of it happening.
What changed recently?
Step 2: assessing risks was last updated on 9 October 2026.
