Many businesses have a risk register in place but in practice, it’s common for the document to be completed once, filed away, and rarely referred to again.
Recently, we worked with a client who did not know how to use a risk register, which created a significant gap in their safety systems.
What Happens When a Risk Register Isn’t Used?
The client had a risk register that identified a range of hazards across the operation. On paper, it appeared the business was meeting their WHS requirements. However, when we reviewed how safety was being managed day-to-day on site, it became clear the risk register was not actually being used to assess risks, implement control measures and drive operations.
For example:
- Safe Work Procedures were not linked to identified risks.
- Training requirements and competencies weren’t verified.
- Hazard reporting was inconsistent.
- Workers were not confident on what they needed to do to control risks on site.
- The register had not been reviewed as operations changed, and did not match with the hazards present on site.
Why an Unused Risk Register Creates Risk
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA), businesses must identify hazards, assess risks, implement controls and review those controls regularly. If the risk register is not actively used:
- Risks can be overlooked as equipment, tasks or operations change.
- Workers may not be following consistent safety controls measure.
- Training gaps can develop.
- Safety becomes reactive rather than proactive.
In this case, there was a clear disconnect between the documented risks and what was happening operationally.
How We Helped the Business Use Risk Management in Practice
We worked with the business to show them how to use a risk register to drive their operations.
First, we reviewed:
- The existing risk register.
- Hazards present onsite.
- What controls were actually being used day-to-day by workers.
From there, we supported the business to:
- Review and update identified risks.
- Align Safe Work Procedures to hazards.
- Identify required training and competencies.
- Report hazards and incidents on ProcessWorxShield.
- Introduce a review process to keep the register up to date.
What Effective Risk Management Looks Like
Once we explained to the client how to use a risk register, we helped them implemented a great continuous process for effectively managing risks:
- Identifying what controls are already in place across the business.
- Assessing where additional controls or improvements are needed.
- Seeking input from workers and team members involved in day-to-day operations.
- Developing or update safety documentation and procedures.
- Implementing face-to-face induction processes.
- Determining required training and competency expectations for workers.
- Ensuring controls are being applied consistently in daily operations.
- Inducting workers.
- Regularly reviewing and improving the system as operations change.
The Outcome for our Client
Once the framework was properly embedded:
- Workers had clearer understanding of risks and controls.
- Safety procedures were reflective of the work being done and easily understood by workers.
- The risk register became something actively used and maintained.
Most importantly, the business had a stronger and more defensible approach to managing safety on-site.
How You Can Get Started
A risk register should not be completed once and forgotten. If your looking to start working on your businesses safety, we recommend creating a risk register as your first step.
Once you create your risk register, you have a great overview on what hazards are present in your business, the risks they present, and what you need to implement to control these hazards. Having that understanding should help you then create or improve:
- Safe Work Procedures.
- Training.
- Inductions.
- Inspections.
- Day-to-day decisions on site.
How ProcessWorx Can Support You
The ProcessWorx team works with businesses to build practical WHS systems that support both compliance and day-to-day operations.
If your current risk register is sitting in a folder rather than being used in practice, now is the time to review it. Contact us on (08) 9316 9896 or get in touch here.
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