Free hazard identification form

• The MapTrack hazard identification form contains 23 checks.
• Workplace area: site name, department or specific location where the hazard was observed.
• Task or activity: the work being performed when the hazard was identified.
• Hazard description: a clear, factual description of what could cause harm.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

• Legal compliance: meet your duty under Australian WHS Act and regulations to identify reasonably foreseeable hazards.
• Proactive safety: find hazards before they cause injuries, illness or damage.
• Risk reduction: documented hazards feed directly into risk assessments, ensuring controls are applied where they matter most.
• Worker engagement: giving all workers a simple way to report hazards increases safety participation and builds a stronger safety culture.
• Audit readiness: a completed hazard register demonstrates due diligence to regulators, auditors and insurers.
• Continuous improvement: reviewing hazard reports over time reveals trends and recurring issues, allowing your organisation to target systemic fixes.

• Workplace area: site name, department or specific location where the hazard was observed.
• Task or activity: the work being performed when the hazard was identified.
• Hazard description: a clear, factual description of what could cause harm.
• Hazard category: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial or environmental.
• Risk rating: high, medium or low, based on likelihood and potential consequence.
• Existing controls: what measures are already in place to manage the hazard.
• Recommended actions: additional controls or corrective actions needed.
• Responsible person: who is accountable for implementing the recommended actions.
• Due date: when the corrective action must be completed.
• Status: whether the action is open, in progress or closed.

1. Walk the workplace and observe conditions, activities and equipment.

   Physically inspect the work area at a time when normal operations are underway. Look for anything that could cause harm, including physical hazards, chemical exposures, ergonomic issues and environmental factors. Talk to workers about the tasks they perform and any concerns they have.

2. Record each hazard on the form with a clear, factual description.

   Describe exactly what could cause harm and who could be affected. Be specific, for example "unguarded drop of 2.5 m at the loading dock edge" rather than "fall risk". Include the location, the task or activity associated with the hazard and the hazard category.

3. Rate each hazard using the likelihood x consequence risk matrix.

   Assess how likely the hazard is to cause harm and the potential severity of the outcome. Record the risk level (high, medium, low) to prioritise which hazards need immediate action and which can be scheduled for later review.

4. Document existing controls and recommend additional actions.

   Record what controls are already in place to manage each hazard. If those controls are inadequate, document the additional actions needed, assign a responsible person and set a due date. Follow the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative then PPE.

5. Submit the completed form to your supervisor or safety officer for review.

   The supervisor reviews the hazard, confirms the risk rating and ensures corrective actions are adequate and assigned. High-risk hazards should be escalated to the safety manager or site manager for immediate attention.

6. Follow up on corrective actions and update the hazard status.

   Track each hazard through to close-out. Verify that corrective actions have been implemented and are effective. Update the status from open to in progress to closed. Transfer the hazard to the site hazard register for ongoing tracking.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• WHS Act 2011
• Safe Work Australia - Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• ISO 31000 - Risk management

• Model Codes of Practice (Safe Work Australia)
• Model Work Health and Safety Act (Safe Work Australia)
• ISO 31000:2018, Risk management guidelines (ISO catalogue)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

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