Hazard specific audits

Hazard specific audits address particular issues such as confined space entry, or working at heights and involve the inspection and testing of current workplace control methods. This type of audit has a narrow focus and looks at the effectiveness of policies and procedures in dealing with specific hazards.

These audits differ from compliance audits in that the standards set by the organisation to address a risk of injury may exceed legislative requirements. Many organisations use suitably qualified external providers to undertake these types of audits especially when hazardous tasks are being undertaken.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors may review specific hazards in order to monitor legislative compliance at a workplace.

The Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (PDF, 766 KB) requires that workplace health and safety officers (WHSO’s) conduct a hazard based assessment of the workplace using criteria approved by the Chief Executive of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland or criteria agreed to by the Workplace Health and Safety Committee at the workplace.

More on WHSO’s.
These assessments must be conducted at least once every twelve months, or at intervals agreed between the WHSO and the Health and Safety Committee. There are eight elements referred to under this criteria and includes a number of common workplace hazards-
Hazard identification, risk assessment and control
Work environment
Noise
Plant
Electrical
Hazardous substances
Manual tasks
Information, instruction, training and supervision

An example of a hazard based assessment form (PDF, 144 KB) is provided for your convenience.
Last updated July 18, 2005

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