The obligation
Requires designers to systematically identify foreseeable hazards, assess associated risks, and apply the hierarchy of controls during the design phase to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
The Code requires designers to conduct hazard identification and risk assessment as an integral part of the design process. Designers must consider all foreseeable uses of the structure — construction, normal use, maintenance, cleaning, and demolition — and apply the hierarchy of controls, eliminating hazards at source wherever practicable before substitution or engineering controls are used.
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- What
- Requires designers to systematically identify foreseeable hazards, assess associated risks, and apply the hierarchy of controls during the design phase to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
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hazard-identification
risk-assessment
hierarchy-of-controls
safe-design
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in Design is a WHS requirement set out in Safe design of structures (FEDERAL). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is Safe design of structures > Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in Design is a WHS obligation under Safe design of structures (FEDERAL). In short, Requires designers to systematically identify foreseeable hazards, assess associated risks, and apply the hierarchy of controls during the design phase to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
What changed recently?
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in Design was last updated on 26 August 2026.
