Report workplace hazards, safety concerns, near misses or unsafe conditions before somebody is injured.
When Would I Use This Procedure?
Use this procedure if you identify something that could cause injury, illness, property damage, environmental harm, or a near miss.
Examples include:
- Water on the floor.
- Damaged shelving.
- Faulty equipment.
- Damaged electrical leads.
- Blocked exits.
- Unsafe lifting practices.
- Falling stock risks.
- Vehicle or traffic hazards.
- Aggressive or threatening behaviour.
- Workplace bullying, harassment or psychosocial hazards.
If somebody has already been injured, refer to KASSI - Injury & Incident Response.
Immediate Actions
If it is safe to do so:
- Make the hazard safe.
- Prevent access to the hazard.
- Warn others of the risk.
- Notify a manager or PIC.
- Complete a Hazard Report Form as soon as practical.
Do not walk away from an active hazard.
If you identify a hazard that presents an immediate risk to customers, staff or visitors:
- Remain at or near the hazard where practical.
- Warn others of the risk.
- Send another team member to obtain signs, barriers, equipment or assistance.
- If working alone, take immediate steps to make the area safe before leaving to obtain additional equipment.
Examples:
- Place a wet-floor sign near a spill.
- Remove damaged equipment from service.
- Restrict access to an unsafe area.
- Isolate faulty equipment.
- Stand near a spill and direct customers away until signage arrives.
Do not place yourself at risk while attempting to control a hazard.
Choosing a Risk Control
A risk control is an action taken to remove a hazard or reduce the chance of somebody being harmed.
Where possible, remove the hazard completely. If it cannot be removed immediately, prevent access or reduce the risk until a permanent solution is completed.
Controls may include:
- Removing the hazard.
- Replacing the hazardous item or process with a safer option.
- Separating people from the hazard using barriers or restricted access.
- Repairing, modifying or guarding equipment.
- Changing how a task is performed.
- Providing instructions, training or supervision.
- Using appropriate personal protective equipment.
More than one control may be required.
Signs, barriers and verbal warnings may provide temporary protection, but they do not necessarily fix the hazard. The hazard must still be reported, assessed and followed up.
Urgent Hazards
Immediately escalate hazards that present an immediate risk of serious injury or damage.
Examples:
- Exposed electrical wiring.
- Structural damage.
- Fire risks.
- Gas leaks.
- Serious threats or violence.
- Any situation requiring emergency services.
If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, call 000.
Manager Responsibilities
Managers and PICs must ensure:
- The hazard is assessed.
- Appropriate controls are implemented.
- Hazard reports are reviewed.
- Photos and supporting information are retained where required.
- Other managers are notified where appropriate.
- Staff are informed of any controls or changes implemented.
- Discussed in the safety meeting on Tuesday
Managers may delegate actions but remain responsible for ensuring the hazard is appropriately managed.
Hazard Closure
A hazard report is not complete until:
- The hazard has been assessed.
- Appropriate controls have been implemented.
- Any required follow-up actions have been completed.
- The risk has been reduced as far as reasonably practicable.
Key Reminders
- Report hazards as soon as they are identified.
- Do not assume somebody else has reported it.
- If in doubt, report it.
- Small hazards often become larger incidents if ignored.
- Hazard reporting helps prevent injuries before they occur.
Related Procedures & Forms
Keywords
hazard, hazard report, unsafe, safety concern, trip hazard, wet floor, damaged equipment, electrical hazard, manual handling, psychosocial hazard, bullying, harassment, near miss, unsafe behaviour, risk, safety