Understanding the risk management approach and its importance Back
By: Christina Govender
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​According to the WA Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act (2020), local governments have a duty of care to manage the risk of psychosocial and physical hazards in the workplace.

Benefits of a healthy workplace:

  • Thriving workers
  • Increased productivity
  • Reduced absenteeism
  • Less occupational injuries and illnesses
  • Improved worker engagement
  • Job satisfaction
  • Staff retention

The risk management approach

The Risk Management Approach (RMA) is aimed at identifying and addressing the causal factors and systematic issues that may exist in the workplace.
 
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The approach focuses on four steps, but also highlights the importance of the consultation aspect of the process and emphasises that consultation should be carried out throughout each step.


Step 1 - Identify hazards

Identify which foreseeable psychosocial hazards pose a risk in your workplace, by:

  • Understanding statutory requirements
  • Identifying stakeholders
  • Creating focus groups
  • Identifying psychosocial hazards
  • Conducting surveys
  • Reviewing any data you may have
  • Understanding risk criteria application
  • Ensuring confidentiality

Step 2 - Assess the risk

Assess the likelihood and severity of injury/harm occurring due to the identified risk such as:

  • Who and how many people are impacted?
  • Severity of risk
  • Review existing control for effectiveness
  • What's the priority?
  • Duties/task elements (specific environment)
  • Actions required

Step 3 – Controls

Eliminate where reasonably practicable or reduce harm by:

  • Ensuring appropriate processes & procedures are in place
  • Having a clear plan on the importance of psychosocial health
  • Proactive communication

Step 4 – Review the control measures

Review the effectiveness of controls by:

  • Conducting a full review of previous assessments and control plans
  • Consulting with workers
  • Direct observation
  • Reviewing data

Psychosocial and physical hazards are anything in the design or delivery of work that can lead to psychological injury. The WHS Act requires employers to use the risk management approach to identify, assess, control, and review the psychosocial and physical hazards/controls to eliminate or mitigate as reasonably practicable. Each step of the risk management approach ensures the effective risk management of psychosocial and physical hazards.

For further support, contact the People Risk Team or RRC's at admin@lgiswa.com.au

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