Is Your Workplace Really Safe? A Simple Checklist That Could Save Lives
Workplace health and safety (WHS) isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a culture where every person, from the directors through to contractors, takes responsibility for protecting themselves and others.
At Anzen Safety & Training, we’ve put together a practical Work Health and Safety Questionnaire to help businesses reflect on where they stand. It’s not a compliance audit. It’s a mirror… and sometimes the reflection reveals gaps that could put people and businesses at risk.
Here’s a breakdown of the key areas from our checklist:
1. Leadership Starts at the Top
Directors’ Responsibilities
Are your directors up to date with WHS laws? Do they regularly review incidents and compliance data?
Why it matters: Directors carry a personal duty of care under WHS law. Inaction can lead to legal liability, serious harm, and reputational damage.
2. Managers Set the Tone
Managers’ Responsibilities
Do managers understand the key risks in their area? Are they actively monitoring safety and responding to issues?
Why it matters: Leadership behaviour directly influences whether staff follow safe practices or cut corners.
3. Training and Accountability for All
Workers & Contractors
Are your workers trained regularly? Do they consistently follow safety instructions?
Why it matters: Safe workplaces rely on everyone playing their part. Training and accountability reduce the chance of accidents and injuries.
4. Systems That Work in Practice
Systems & Processes
Does your organisation have a documented WHS management system that’s kept up to date and actually applied?
Why it matters: Outdated or “shelf-only” documents create a false sense of security and miss real risks.
5. Ongoing Checks and Continuous Improvement
Verification & Auditing
Are you auditing your processes and closing the gaps?
Why it matters: Regular checks ensure systems are not only written down but lived in practice.
6. Be Ready for the Unexpected
Emergency Preparedness
Do you have clear, documented emergency procedures and do you run drills?
Why it matters: Emergencies escalate fast. Preparation is the difference between chaos and control.
7. Data-Driven Decisions
Reporting & Insights
Are incidents and hazards consistently reported, and are leaders receiving regular updates?
Why it matters: Without reliable data, leaders are effectively blind to risks that may already be causing harm.
8. Building a Safe Culture Together
Engagement & Culture
Do workers have a voice in safety matters, and do leaders act on feedback?
Why it matters: A safe workplace is built on trust, shared responsibility, and walking the talk.
Next Steps for Your Business
If you answered “no” or “unsure” to any of these questions, that’s an opportunity to act not tomorrow, but today.
At Anzen Safety & Training, we specialise in helping businesses close these gaps with practical, human-focused solutions. From building systems and processes to shaping leadership and culture, we cut through the complexity and help you protect your people and your business.
Ready to put safety into action?
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