WHS Policy (Work Health and Safety)
A Work Health and Safety (WHS) Policy outlines the obligations of a company’s management and its employees towards workplace health and safety.
Last updated January 14, 2025
Suitable for Australia
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New — What is a WHS policy?
New — What is a WHS policy?
A WHS policy is a document that sets out a business's commitment and approach to workplace health and safety, detailing the responsibilities of management and employees in maintaining a safe working environment.
It typically covers objectives, duties, and the measures taken to remove or reduce risks to everyone affected by the workplace, including contractors and visitors.
Am I legally required to have a WHS policy?
Am I legally required to have a WHS policy?
Not exactly. Model WHS legislation doesn't specifically require a named "WHS policy" document, but it does impose a broad duty on every person conducting a business or undertaking to manage health and safety risks so far as reasonably practicable.
A documented WHS policy is one of the clearest ways to demonstrate that duty is actually being met in practice.
Is a WHS policy suitable for all Australian states and territories?
Is a WHS policy suitable for all Australian states and territories?
Mostly yes, since every state and territory except Victoria has adopted the harmonised model WHS laws.
Victoria operates under its own separate Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, so a WHS policy intended for Victorian use should be checked against Victoria's specific legislation rather than assumed to automatically comply with the harmonised model.
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Frequently asked questions
Who needs a WHS policy?
keyboard_arrow_upWhat risks does a WHS policy help manage?
keyboard_arrow_upWhat are the main benefits of having a WHS policy?
keyboard_arrow_upDoes a WHS policy cover contractors and visitors?
keyboard_arrow_upHow often should a WHS policy be updated?
keyboard_arrow_upWhat's the most common mistake businesses make with their WHS policy?
keyboard_arrow_upWhat steps should be taken after adopting a WHS policy?
keyboard_arrow_upHow much does it cost to get a WHS policy, template versus a lawyer?
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The Legal Risk Score of a WHS Policy (Work Health and Safety) Template is Low
Our legal team have marked this document as low risk considering:
- It can be changed at any point.
- It is only one part of a broader compliance framework.
- It is a very commonplace document.
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