Hazard and risk assessments

Identifying and controlling known hazards and risks is an essential component of the travel planning process. Prior to any travel, all travellers should carefully consider the hazards and risks associated with the destination/s, methods of transport to / from / whilst at the business location, as well as the activities to be undertaken at the location. 

‘Risk’ is assessed by the following key criteria:

• Destination (as per DFAT levels).
• Method of transport for both commercial and non-commercial services.
• Activities undertaken at the destination.

Not all travel requires a WHS Hazard and Risk Assessment template to be completed. 

A WHS Hazard and Risk Assessment template (available at this link) is required to be completed when:  

• Travelling to a known high-risk setting. Such places typically include hospitals, residential aged care facilities, correctional facilities and residential accommodation facilities that support people who require frequent, close personal care and who are vulnerable to severe disease. 
• Travelling domestically to a high-risk location as defined by the local jurisdiction. Locations may include areas that are currently experiencing natural disasters, civil unrest or are considered high risk by the local community for other reasons.  
• Travelling to undertake high risk fieldwork, involving confined spaces, diving, boating, live electrical work or other high risks works where the WHS Regulations 2011 (Cth) requires a risk assessment.
• The University has defined the travel as high-risk i.e. travel to vulnerable communities or remote areas, travel to high-risk destinations etc.  
• International travel to a DFAT level 3 or 4 destination.

Supervisors and/or travel delegate approvers can also request a WHS Hazard and Risk Assessment to be completed for any travel if there is concern regarding the severity or likelihood of risk and/or a need for the awareness or effectiveness of controls.