SOPs: Australian Workplace Safety

How to Write a Safe Operating Procedure SOP in Australia

Australian workplace safety SOPs are essential for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. Whether you’re in manufacturing, hospitality, construction, or any other industry, SOPs help workers perform tasks safely and consistently.

Writing an effective SOP involves more than just listing steps—it requires clear instructions, risk assessments, and compliance with relevant regulations. Here’s how to write an SOP that meets Australian WHS standards.

Step 1: Identify the Task and Purpose

Firstly, identify the task and purpose. Specifically, before drafting your SOP, determine:

✔️ What task or activity the SOP covers
✔️ Why the procedure is necessary (e.g., legal compliance, risk reduction, operational efficiency)
✔️ Who will be using it (workers, contractors, supervisors)

Step 2: Conduct a Risk Assessment

Secondly, conduct a risk assessment. Every SOP should address potential hazards. To illustrate, conduct a risk assessment by:

• Identifying hazards (e.g., manual handling, machinery, hazardous chemicals)
• Assessing risks (likelihood and severity of harm)
• Determining control measures (PPE, engineering controls, training requirements)

Furthermore, WorkSafe Australia and state-specific regulators provide risk assessment templates that can guide this process for your Australian workplace safety SOPs.

Step 3: Structure the SOP Clearly

Thirdly, structure the SOP clearly. An SOP should be easy to read and follow. For instance, the standard format includes:

1. Title & Reference Number

• • Clearly name the SOP (e.g., “Safe Operation of Forklifts”)
  • Assign a reference number for document control

2. Purpose & Scope

• • Explain why the SOP exists
  • Define where and when it applies

3. Responsibilities

• • Identify who is responsible for implementing and following the SOP (e.g., workers, supervisors, WHS officers)

4. Required PPE & Equipment

• • List necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Specify any tools or machinery involved

5. Step-by-Step Procedure

• • Use simple, numbered instructions
  • Clearly outline pre-operational checks, operating steps, and shutdown procedures
  • Include images or diagrams if helpful

6. Emergency Procedures

• • Outline what to do in case of an emergency (e.g., fire, equipment failure, chemical spill)

7. Training & Competency Requirements

• • Specify training workers need before performing the task
  • Include licensing requirements if applicable (e.g., high-risk work licences)

8. Review & Revision Process

• • Detail how often the SOP will be reviewed and who is responsible
  • Adjust for legislative changes, new hazards, or operational improvements

Step 4: Ensure Compliance with Australian WHS Laws Australian Workplace Safety SOPs

Moreover, ensure compliance with Australian WHS laws. Your SOP must align with Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and regulations in your state or territory. Additionally, you may need to follow industry-specific guidelines from:

• Safe Work Australia
• WorkSafe Victoria, WorkSafe WA, WorkSafe Tasmania, etc.
• National Safety Standards (e.g., AS/NZS ISO 45001)

Consequently, failure to comply can lead to legal penalties and workplace injuries, so it’s crucial to get your SOPs right.

Step 5: Train Workers & Implement the SOP

Finally, train workers and implement the SOP. A well-written SOP is useless if workers don’t follow it. Therefore, ensure:
✔️ Workers receive training on the SOP
✔️ Supervisors enforce compliance
✔️ The SOP is easily accessible (printed copies in work areas, digital versions on company systems)

Need help writing Australian Workplace Safety SOPs? AHR Can Do It for You!

At Assurance HR (AHR), we specialise in writing legally compliant, industry-specific SOPs for Australian businesses. Our expert team ensures your procedures meet WHS regulations and are practical for your workplace.

We take the guesswork out of compliance so you can focus on running your business. Contact us today to create or review your SOPs and keep your workplace safe!