The obligation
The first step in managing risks is identifying hazards: finding things and situations that could potentially cause harm to people.
Harm can be physical, psychological or both. Regularly inspecting the workplace and observing how things are done can help a PCBU identify what could or might go wrong. Inspecting the workplace may combine methods, such as physically walking around the workplace or observing the online working environment.
- What
- The first step in managing risks is identifying hazards: finding things and situations that could potentially cause harm to people.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
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hazard-identification
PCBU
consultation
WHS
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Step 1: identifying hazards 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 > Hazard Identification § 2.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Step 1: identifying hazards is a WHS obligation under How to manage work health and safety risks (FEDERAL). In short, The first step in managing risks is identifying hazards: finding things and situations that could potentially cause harm to people.
What changed recently?
Step 1: identifying hazards was last updated on 9 October 2026.
