We are closed 5 pm Tuesday 24 December 2024, reopening Thursday 2 January 2025. You can still call 1300 366 979 to report a WHS incident or for urgent claim enquiries.

Preventing harm and injury at work

It's important to understand risk and recognise hazards so you can prevent harm and injury in the workplace.


Stay up to date on changes to Commonwealth work health and safety (WHS) laws.

Workplace inspections help prevent work-related injury and illness and are an important part of an effective health and safety management system

Physical hazards are factors or conditions within the environment that can harm your health.

A hazardous chemical can be a solid, liquid or gas and be a pure substance, consisting of one ingredient, or a mixture of substances.

Biological hazards are organic substances that pose a threat to the health of people and other living organisms.

Information for workers and employers about work health and safety obligations relating to COVID-19.

Seasonal hazards present a broad range of health and safety risks that need to be considered and controlled.

Ergonomic hazards are physical factors in the environment that may cause musculoskeletal injuries.

Organisations that store, handle and process large quantities of hazardous materials must follow legal requirements, including notification and licensing.

Psychosocial hazards are aspects of work which have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm.

The Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice 2024 identifies 17 psychosocial hazards. This section provides information on what they are, the risks they pose and how to eliminate or minimise them in your workplace.

A tool to help you identify health and safety risks in your work or home office.

Health monitoring is required because, if unchecked, routine exposure to hazardous substances can cause severe health issues including disease, injury or illness.

The Prevention Strategy provides a pathway to prevent harm and enable a culture of health and safety, compliance and reporting.

Comcare
GPO Box 9905, Canberra, ACT 2601
1300 366 979 | www.comcare.gov.au

Date printed 21 Dec 2024

https://www.comcare.gov.au/safe-healthy-work/prevent-harm