OHS Risk Planning and Management

Controlling risks

Once hazards have been identified and the risks have been assessed, the principal or their delegate must work to eliminate or control the risks. If a risk cannot be eliminated, then the principal or their delegate must consider a mix of controls to achieve the best possible risk reduction. For guidance on identifying appropriate controls, see the ‘Controlling Risks’ tab in the risk register templates (available from the Resources tab).

Throughout the process of identifying risk controls to be implemented, the principal or their delegate must consult with school staff who are or are likely to be affected, the HSR, where elected, and health and safety committee (or equivalent) members.

When identifying and implementing appropriate controls, consider the following:

• provide information, instruction, training and/or supervision regarding the implementation of risk controls
• if possible, test the risk controls prior to implementation
• ensure the proposed risk controls do not create new hazards or increase the likelihood of other risks occurring (for example, the installation of barriers as a risk control for the use of woodwork machinery may restrict access to emergency exits in the case of an emergency)
• prioritise implementing controls for the more hazardous risks (that is, extreme and high-risk rating)
• budget constraints and available funding (see Buildings and Grounds Maintenance and Compliance policy and the School-funded Capital Projects policy for more information regarding repairs and building management) communicate the risk control strategies to all relevant school staff, contractors, volunteers and visitors attending school grounds, as per the OHS Consultation and Communication policy.

The local regional OHS support officers and the OHS Advisory Service can provide support to schools on this process.