Workplace safety is not just a legal obligation—it’s a vital part of building a strong, productive, and responsible business. A well-documented set of WHS policies and procedures helps protect your employees, ensures compliance with WHS laws, and builds a strong safety culture that benefits everyone. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, these WHS policies are essential for keeping your team safe and your business compliant with occupational health and safety requirements.

What Are WHS Policies and Procedures?

WHS policies and procedures are formal documents that outline your organisation’s approach to managing health and safety risks in the workplace. These procedures provide clear guidance on everything from hazard identification to incident reporting, emergency response, and training. They also assign clear safety responsibilities to both employers and workers.

By documenting your health and safety policies, you support a mentally healthy workplace, promote staff productivity, and help prevent psychological harm, workplace injury, and work related injury. These documents are essential for complying with WHS obligations, WHS laws, and applicable Australian Standards.

Why WHS Policies and Procedures Matter

Creating and maintaining effective health and safety WHS policies isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about reducing safety risks, preventing workplace injury, and promoting workplace health and safety.

Every workplace has unique safety hazards, so your safety management systems must be tailored to your specific risks and responsibilities. Here’s why every business needs a strong set of policies and procedures:

• Legal compliance: Meet your duties under the WHS Act, WHS regulations, and health and safety act.
• Risk reduction: Identify and manage safety hazards — both physical and psychosocial — and implement practical measures designed to minimise risks across the workplace.
• Safety culture: Encourage workers to take responsibility for their own health and the health of other persons.
• Clear responsibilities: Help senior management, safety representatives, and employees understand their health and safety duties.
• Practical guidance: Provide procedures relating to hazard control, emergency response, and incident management.

10 Essential WHS Policies and Procedures

1. Work Health and Safety (WHS) Policy

Outlines your organisation’s overarching commitment to health and safety and compliance with WHS legislation. It defines responsibilities at all levels, from senior management to workers, and establishes a clear framework for implementing and reviewing WHS strategies.

2. Hazard Identification and Risk Management Procedure

Details how your business identifies, assesses, and controls risks. It should address physical hazards (e.g. machinery, slips/trips) and psychosocial hazards (e.g. stress, workplace aggression) to create a safer work environment for all.

3. Emergency Response Plan

Covers preparedness and response procedures for incidents such as fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and chemical spills. It defines roles, responsibilities, and training requirements to ensure workers can respond appropriately while safeguarding health and safety.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy

Specifies when and how PPE must be used, maintained, and replaced. It supports compliance with WHS regulations and ensures control measures are in place for tasks involving high-risk exposure.

5. Workplace Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Violence Policy

Aims to prevent and respond to inappropriate workplace behaviour that can cause physical or psychological harm. It supports a mentally healthy work environment and outlines clear reporting and resolution procedures.

6. Manual Handling Policy

Addresses the risks associated with lifting, carrying, pushing, and repetitive tasks. It includes training, ergonomic assessments, and safe work practices to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

7. Fitness for Work Policy

Ensures workers are physically and mentally fit to perform work safely. Covers topics such as fatigue, substance use, and mental health, and supports businesses in taking health seriously.

8. Return to Work and Workers Compensation Procedure

Outlines how your business manages workplace injury or illness, including claims management and tailored return-to-work plans that prioritise safety and recovery.

9. WHS Committees and Representatives Procedure

Defines the role and function of health and safety committees and elected health and safety representatives (HSRs). This supports effective worker consultation and communication in safety decision-making.

10. WHS Documentation and Recordkeeping Procedure

Ensures WHS activities — such as risk assessments, incident reports, inductions, and training — are documented and retained in line with legal requirements. Proper recordkeeping supports accountability and ongoing compliance.

Understanding WHS Laws and Regulations in Australia

Australia operates under a harmonised Work Health and Safety (WHS) framework, adopted by most states and territories, with some variations (e.g. Victoria and Western Australia). WHS laws place a primary duty of care on employers (referred to as Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking or PCBUs) to ensure the health and safety of workers and others in the workplace.

The key components of Australia’s WHS legal framework include:

• WHS Act – Establishes general duties, including the responsibilities of PCBUs, officers, workers, and others at the workplace.
• WHS Regulations – Provide detailed requirements for specific hazards, risk controls, procedures, training, and equipment.
• Codes of Practice – Offer practical guidance on how to meet legal duties under the Act and Regulations. They are not legally binding but may be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

Even in jurisdictions with different legislation—such as Victoria (under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004)—businesses are still required to maintain WHS systems that meet local legal standards and promote safe, healthy workplaces.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with WHS obligations can lead to:

• Significant legal penalties and fines
• Criminal prosecution of business owners and senior officers
• Serious injury, illness, or psychological harm to workers
• Reputational damage and reduced morale and productivity

Establishing clear, proactive health and safety management systems — including documented policies and procedures — is the most effective way to manage legal risk and protect your workforce.

How ASSA Can Help with Your WHS & OHS Compliance

At ASSA, we deliver more than just tools — we provide a complete WHS and OHS compliance solution designed to protect your people, operations, and bottom line. Our Platinum Compliance System combines expert safety consulting with easy-to-use digital tools, helping your business manage policies, procedures, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), and legal obligations — all in one place.

Final Thoughts

Developing a comprehensive set of WHS policies and procedures is essential for effective safety management and is a legal requirement under Australian WHS laws. These documents help identify and control workplace risks, support the physical and mental health of workers, and ensure compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

Whether you’re reviewing existing policies or building your WHS framework from the ground up, it’s important to align your systems with national standards, empower your health and safety committees or representatives, and make sure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe work environment.