A workplace changes between assessments. Staffing, equipment, customers, tasks and work locations can all change the circumstances in which a control is used. A review checks whether the arrangement still reduces the risk and whether further changes are needed.
Use scheduled reviews to stay organised
A recurring review gives the business a predictable opportunity to discuss actions, unresolved issues and worker feedback. Use it to examine what has changed since the last assessment and whether completed actions are working.
A quarterly schedule is a planning choice. It should sit alongside reviews prompted by events at work.
Recognise psychosocial review triggers
WorkSafe’s psychological health code identifies circumstances requiring employers to review controls and, if necessary, revise them. These include:
- Before changes likely to alter psychosocial risks.
- New or additional information about a hazard.
- A report of psychological injury or a psychosocial hazard.
- A relevant notifiable incident.
- Controls that do not adequately control risk.
- A request from an HSR.
If review shows that controls are inadequate, they must be revised to control the risk so far as reasonably practicable. Read the review requirements.
Apply the requirements relevant to the hazard
Physical hazards also need review under the duties and guidance that apply to them. For manual handling, WorkSafe gives examples including changed equipment or work methods, new information, a reported injury or notifiable incident, and an HSR request. Read the manual handling guidance.
For example, a new trolley may change the route workers use or the force needed to move a load. Check the actual task after the change rather than assuming the previous assessment still describes it.
Ask what the evidence shows
During a review, compare the intended control with current practice. Has it been implemented? Is it available on all relevant shifts? What are workers reporting? Has a workaround appeared? Could the control have introduced another risk?
Record the reason for the review, the evidence considered and the resulting decision. If no change is needed, explain the basis. If changes are needed, assign ownership, a suitable date and a way to check effectiveness.
In Averto, keep the assessment and action plan current when conditions change. Do not wait for a reminder to address a current serious concern. Where an incident requires an immediate response or statutory notification, use the applicable workplace and regulatory processes promptly.
Review requirements differ between hazards. Check the current guidance and duties relevant to the work being assessed.