Preventing gendered violence – step 4: review and revise risk control measures

Why reviewing and revising is important

Reviewing and revising risk control measures helps employers to check whether:

• risk controls are working effectively
• there are additional or modified controls needed to control the risks.

This process also enables employers to check if there are any new or unintended risks that may be present.

It may also identify necessary improvements or changes to, for example:

• the physical environment
• work systems and procedures
• training.

Employers should review gendered violence risk control measures:

• At a regular time based on the current risk – for example:
  • monthly after a reported incident
  • less often if there have been no reported incidents or changes in the working environment.
• When employee or health and safety representative (HSR) feedback or workplace data shows that:
  • risk control measures are ineffective or less effective than they should be
  • new risks are identified.
• When an HSR or a health and safety committee asks for a review.
• When there have been significant changes in the working environment or work tasks.
• After an incident or near miss.
• When state of knowledge changes. For example, when industry-specific knowledge is updated.

Employers should also regularly review and update workplace standards, policies and procedures to reflect:

• changes in legislation
• best practice
• feedback from employees and HSRs.

All employees should have access to current workplace standards and support services. This includes those working remotely or in different locations.

Ongoing education about current prevention strategies for gendered violence is important. This may be through:

• workshops and seminars
• team discussions about gendered violence and its impacts.