Managing risks

Hierarchy of controls 

The hierarchy of control measures requires that you first aim to eliminate a risk. For example, using cordless vacuum cleaners to eliminate an identified trip hazard. 

If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate a risk, you must minimise the risk. Use one or more of the following approaches to minimise the risks: 

  • Substitute the hazard with something safer. For example, substitute a hazardous cleaning chemical with a safer one. 

  • Isolate the hazard. For example, store equipment correctly and/or use physical barriers to separate workers from trip hazards.  

  • Use engineering control measures. For example, use mechanical aids to minimise manual handling.  

If risks still remain, you must minimise them, so far as is reasonably practicable, using administrative control measures. For example, put cleaning procedures in place to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. You must also provide training on safe work procedures. For example, train workers on the safe use of machinery. You must also supervise new and young workers if needed. For example, check on them to correct any unsafe work practices. Supervisors should be available to answer questions and provide guidance.  

You must minimise any remaining risks with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). For example, ensure workers wear the correct PPE when working with chemicals.  

For more information, see the model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks.  

Hazards 

Examples of control measures for common hazards in the accommodation services industry are listed below. You must put control measures in place that are specific to the hazards at your workplace. Potential hazards and control measures are not limited to what is outlined below 

Hazard: Manual handling  

Control measures: 

  • change the design or layout of work areas to eliminate or minimise manual handling  

  • ensure workspace heights are appropriate to reduce the need for awkward postures 

  • redesign tasks to minimise manual handling, for example by using mechanical aids  

  • rotate manual handling tasks between workers to reduce the strain from repetitive movements  

  • provide training on correct manual handling procedures.  

For more information, see the model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks. 

Hazard: Hazardous chemicals 

Control measures:  

  • if possible, swap a hazardous chemical for a safer one  

  • ensure chemicals are labelled and stored correctly  

  • provide the current safety data sheet (SDS)  

  • provide the appropriate PPE for workers who use the chemicals  

For more information, see the Hazardous chemicals webpage.  

Risk: Slips, trips and falls 

Control measures: 

  • maintain floors and surfaces and repair any damage 

  • provide non-slip mats 

  • use warning signs to warn workers of wet or potentially slippery floors and surfaces 

  • ensure equipment is stored and used correctly 

  • ensure floors and surfaces are kept clean and dry 

  • ensure staff wear non-slip footwear. 

For more information see the model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of falls at workplaces and the Slips trips and falls webpage. 

Hazard: Work-related violence, aggression, harassment and bullying 

Control measures: 

  • manage expectations of patrons and provide sufficient staff at peak times 

  • ensure access to the premises is appropriately controlled 

  • ensure internal and external lighting provides good visibility  

  • limit the amount of cash and valuables held on the premises  

  • ensure there are no dangerous objects that could be thrown or used to injure someone  

  • avoid workers needing to work alone. Where workers must be alone, ensure they are able to call for assistance if required.  

  • put up signs to reflect that the workplace will not accept any forms of violence or aggression 

  • train workers in how to deal with difficult patrons. For example, training on:   

  • conflict resolution  

  • when to escalate issues to senior staff, and  

  • procedures for reporting incidents 

  • provide a positive, respectful work culture. Violence, aggression, harassment and bullying by other workers should not be tolerated. 

For more information, see the Work-related violence webpage and Bullying webpage.  

Risk: Psychosocial harm  

Control measures:

  • clearly define workers’ roles  

  • provide workers with the resources, information and training they need to carry out their work safely 

  • regularly review workloads and time pressures with workers 

  • check in with workers. Ask them if anything is stressing and how it could be addressed  

  • support workers who may be more at risk of workplace psychological injury 

  • provide workers with a point of contact to discuss their concerns 

  • foster a positive, respectful work culture where bullying is not tolerated  

  • refer workers to mental health and wellbeing support services, such as employee assistance programs. 

For more information, see the Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work  

Hazard: Fatigue  

Control measures:  

  • where possible, provide fit-for-purpose machinery and equipment. For example, provide ergonomic furniture, lifting equipment and anti-fatigue matting.  

  • design work tasks so that workers are not standing for prolonged periods  

  • rotate work tasks that are physically demanding 

  • consider scheduling of shifts, particularly when work is undertaken outside standard business hours 

  • make sure workers get enough rest breaks during and between working hours.  

For more information, see the Guide for managing the risks of fatigue at work  

Review control measures 

Risk management is an ongoing process. You must review control measures regularly to make sure they remain effective.