WHS Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination – Code of Practice Checklist
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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses consider how consultation, cooperation, and coordination actually occur in their workplace. It is typically used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where shared understanding matters. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear, structured way to reflect on how people work together on Work Health and Safety issues.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the main ideas of the Code by focusing on communication, involvement, and shared responsibility when hazards and risks are identified. Each “Yes” or “No” answer helps highlight where current approaches are working and where gaps may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Consultation can be difficult to judge without a clear reference point. This checklist helps translate broad guidance into practical questions that reflect everyday workplace safety. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps businesses set clearer priorities for improvement.
It also leads to more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about how safety decisions are made.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on what happens in practice rather than what is intended to happen. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real experiences across different roles and tasks.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work activities, risks, or people involved change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how consultation and risk management work in practice, not just on written procedures. They look for evidence that hazards are identified, risks are assessed, and decisions are informed by input from the people doing the work. Tools like this checklist support clearer decision-making by showing that consultation is considered and ongoing.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues raised lead to meaningful change.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
Who should use this checklist?
It is designed for business owners, managers, and supervisors. It can also be useful when discussing workplace safety with workers or contractors who are involved in the work.
Does using this checklist mean we meet WHS requirements?
No. The checklist is a review and learning tool only. It helps identify strengths and gaps but does not confirm compliance or replace professional advice.
Is this checklist relevant if we are a small business?
Yes. It is written for small and medium businesses and focuses on practical communication rather than formal systems or complex processes.
When should consultation be reviewed?
Consultation should be revisited when work changes, new risks appear, or issues are raised. Many businesses also review it periodically to ensure it remains effective.
Articles and Further Reading
WHS Act s44–s49 – Consultation – Sets out the duty to consult, cooperate and coordinate with workers and other duty holders when identifying hazards and making WHS decisions.
WHS Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination – Provides practical guidance on engaging workers, sharing information, and involving relevant parties when managing workplace risks.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.