Task risk assessments

A task risk assessment should be completed for tasks that are not covered by Plant Operating risk assessments, Fieldwork/travel risk assessments, Event risk assessments, Chemical risk assessments, Chemical Engineering experiment risk assessments or Structural Engineering experiment risk assessments.

Download: Task risk assessment form [doc]

What to do with the form

1. Complete the task name, location etc details on Page 1.
2. Break the whole task down into its individual steps and list these in the 'step or sub-task description column'.
3. For each task step, think about the potential hazards associated with that step. List these in the 'hazards associated with step or sub-task' column. If you cannot readily identify a foreseeable hazard with a step/sub-task, write 'N/A' in this column.
4. Assess the risk of any listed hazards occurring by using the risk assessment matrix (page 1) and document the applicable likelihood, consequence and corresponding risk rating.
5. List the actions to be taken to suitably and practically eliminate or reduce the risk of any identified hazards occurring in the control measure column.
6. Rank the priority of each control measure to be taken.
7. List the name of the person responsible for ensuring the control measure is implemented and by when (date) they are to have implemented it.
8. Have all persons undertaking the task sign the risk assessment so they are aware of the identified hazards and know of the control measures to be used to eliminate or minimise risk.
9. Have the supervisor of the department/unit responsible for the task review and sign the risk assessment document.
10. Track the implementation of the risk controls to ensure they are all completed by the required dates.
11. After the task is completed, or within three months of the risk assessment (whichever is shorter) review the risk assessment to ensure that all control measures were appropriate and didn't introduce any new hazards. Make note of anything that could be done better in the future for similar tasks.
12. Have the supervisor of the department/unit responsible for the task endorse the review.

Filing and retention of the risk assessment document

Completed task risk assessment forms are to be filed in Chapter 6 of the applicable department/unit OHS Documentation Folder.

The completed risk assessment form needs to be retained in the applicable department/unit OHS Documentation Folder for five years, after which it can be disposed of via a confidential waste bin.