6 Review control measures

The last step of the risk management process is to review the effectiveness of the implemented control measures to ensure they are working as planned. If a control measure is not working effectively it must be reviewed and modified or replaced.

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A circular diagram of the continual risk management process. The circle is divided into four parts to highlight the four steps. The fourth part is coloured in red to highlight the fourth step in the process, which is 'review control measures'.Reviewing control measures should be done regularly and is required:

\- when the control measure is not eliminating or minimising the risks so far as is reasonably practicable
\- before a change at the workplace that is likely to give rise to a new or different health and safety risk that the control measure may not effectively control
\- if a new hazard or risk is identified
\- if the results of consultation indicate a review is necessary, or
\- if an HSR requests a review because they reasonably believe one of the above has occurred and it has not been adequately reviewed already.

Reports, complaints (including informal complaints) or grievances from workers may identify new psychosocial hazards or risks that are not adequately controlled. This should trigger a review of whether your existing control measures are effective, if your response procedures worked the way they were supposed to and whether new risks have been identified that also need to be managed.

Common review methods include inspecting the workplace, consultation, and analysing records and data. You can use the same methods as in the initial hazard identification step to check control measures. You must also consult your workers and their HSRs.

The person reviewing your control measures should have the authority and resources to conduct the review thoroughly and be empowered to recommend changes where necessary. Questions to consider may include:

\- Are control measures working effectively, without creating new risks?
\- Have workers reported feeling stressed or are they showing signs of harm?
\- Have all psychosocial hazards been identified?
\- Have risks changed or are they different to what you previously assessed?
\- Are workers actively involved in the risk management process?
\- Are workers openly raising health and safety concerns and reporting problems promptly?
\- Has instruction and training been provided to all relevant workers?
\- Are there any upcoming changes that are likely to result in a worker being exposed to psychosocial hazards?
\- Are new control measures available that might better control the risks?
\- Have risks been eliminated or minimised as far as is reasonably practicable?