Legal Requirements for Schools to Perform Risk Assessments
Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Northern Territory
According to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, a duty is imposed on a person "(a) to eliminate risks to health and safety, so far as is reasonably practicable, and (b) if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risks to health and safety, to minimise those risks so far as is reasonably practicable ... taking into account and weighing up all relevant matters including (a) the likelihood of the hazard or the risk concerned occurring, and (b) the degree of harm that might result from the hazard or the risk ..." [Part 2, Sections 17 and 18].
South Australia and Tasmania
According to the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, identical duties are imposed to those described above in the ACT, NSW, QLD and NT [Part 2, Sections 17 and 18].
Western Australia
According to the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, identical duties are imposed to those described above in the ACT, NSW, QLD and NT [Part 2, Sections 17 and 18].
Victoria
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, "Persons who control or manage matters that give rise or may give rise to risks to health or safety are responsible for eliminating or reducing those risks so far as is reasonably practicable" [Part 1, 4(2)].
The Work Health and Safety Act has not been introduced to parliament. However, compliance with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals is deemed to comply with existing legislation.