The obligation
A risk management approach should be used after incidents, when workers raise concerns, and when the WHS Regulations require it for specific hazards.
Triggers include new information about workplace risks becoming available and responding to workplace incidents, even if they have not caused an injury or illness. It should also be used when responding to concerns, issues, reports or complaints raised by workers, health and safety representatives or others at the workplace. Risk management should be planned, systematic and cover all reasonably foreseeable hazards and associated risks.
- What
- A risk management approach should be used after incidents, when workers raise concerns, and when the WHS Regulations require it for specific hazards.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
When to use a risk management approach 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 > When to Use Risk Management.
What does this WHS obligation require?
When to use a risk management approach is a WHS obligation under How to manage work health and safety risks (FEDERAL). In short, A risk management approach should be used after incidents, when workers raise concerns, and when the WHS Regulations require it for specific hazards.
What changed recently?
When to use a risk management approach was last updated on 9 October 2026.
