Small businesses don’t need complex systems to manage safety—but they do need to focus on the right risks.
WorkSafe Victoria’s handbook highlights 12 common hazards inspectors regularly find in small businesses, providing a practical starting point for improving workplace safety. How to identify and control health and safety hazards in small businesses to make them safer.
Below is a simplified breakdown of each hazard, with clear, practical takeaways tailored for small business owners—plus a critical 13th risk area now required under Victorian law.
1. Manual Handling
The risk: Injuries from lifting, pushing, pulling or repetitive tasks.
Small business takeaway:
- Avoid manual lifting where possible (use trolleys, hoists) Manual Handling Online Training
- Redesign tasks—not just train people to “lift properly”
- Watch for repetitive tasks (hospitality, retail, care work)
2. Slips, Trips and Falls (Housekeeping)
The risk: Wet floors, clutter, poor lighting.
Small business takeaway:
- Keep walkways clear
- Clean spills immediately
- Fix uneven surfaces and poor lighting
👉 This is one of the most common and preventable causes of injury.
3. Storage and Racking
The risk: Falling objects, overloaded shelves.
Small business takeaway:
- Don’t overload shelving
- Store heavy items at waist height
- Regularly check racking condition
4. Working at Heights
The risk: Falls from ladders, roofs, mezzanines.
Small business takeaway:
- Avoid working at height where possible Ladder Safety Training online
- Use proper platforms—not chairs or makeshift solutions
- Ensure fall prevention or fall protection where required
5. Chemicals and Fuels
The risk: Burns, respiratory issues, fire hazards.
Small business takeaway:
- Label all chemicals clearly
- Keep Safety Data Sheets (SDS) accessible
- Train staff in safe use and storage Chemical Awareness Safety Training online
6. Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
The risk: Fire, explosion, poor evacuation response.
Small business takeaway:
- Maintain extinguishers and alarms
- Have a simple evacuation plan
- Train staff—don’t assume they “just know” Warden Online Training course
7. First Aid
The risk: Delayed response to injury.
Small business takeaway:
- Have accessible and signed first aid kits
- Ensure trained first aiders are available
- Regularly check and restock supplies
8. Electricity
The risk: Electric shock, burns, fires.
Small business takeaway:
- Test and tag equipment
- Remove damaged cords immediately
- Use licensed electricians only
9. Machinery and Equipment
The risk: Entanglement, crush injuries, amputations.
Small business takeaway:
- Ensure guarding is in place
- Train workers before use
- Never bypass safety features
10. Noise
The risk: Hearing loss over time.
Small business takeaway:
- Identify noisy tasks
- Provide hearing protection where required – if employees are using hearing protection – hearing tests are required
- Consider quieter equipment options
Hazardous Noise Awareness training online for Employees
Hazardous Noise Awareness training online for Managers
11. Asbestos
The risk: Long-term disease from exposure.
Small business takeaway:
- Assume asbestos in older buildings – you must have it identified by competent person who will provide a register and advise asbestttos management requirements
- Never disturb it without proper controls
- Use licensed professionals for removal
12. Young Workers & Insurance
The risk: Inexperience leading to injury + lack of coverage.
Small business takeaway:
- Provide extra supervision for young/inexperienced workers
- Don’t assume “common sense”
- Ensure correct WorkCover insurance is in place
- Display the WorklSafe Victoria ‘If you are injured’ poster where all workers can read it
13. Psychological Hazards (Critical Addition for 2025+)
The risk: Mental injury caused by work—not just physical hazards.
While not part of the original handbook, psychological hazards are now a legal requirement in Victoria and must be managed like any other risk.
Common psychosocial hazards:
- High workload or unrealistic deadlines
- Poor management or lack of support
- Workplace bullying or conflict
- Exposure to traumatic events
- Low role clarity or job insecurity
Small business takeaway:
- Check in regularly with staff (don’t wait for issues)
- Manage workloads and expectations
- Address poor behaviour early
- Train supervisors in people management—not just tasks
- Treat psychological risks the same as physical ones
👉 Modern OHS compliance now requires both physical AND psychological safety.
Mental Health Awareness Online Training
Acceptable Behaviours in the Workpalce Online Training
Final Thoughts
The key message from the WorkSafe handbook is simple:
👉 Most workplace injuries in small business come from predictable, everyday hazards.
You don’t need complex systems—you need to:
- Focus on common risks
- Fix simple issues early
- Involve your workers
- Keep improving over time
And importantly—expand your focus beyond physical hazards to include psychological health.
For a free consultation including 3 visits and documented plans to review your safety systems, check out our OHS Essentials Program
Access the full WorkSafe Victoria handbook here: 12 ways to make small business safer: A handbook for workplaces
Use our free 12 ways to Safety for Small Business Checklist to assess your workplace safety
For a list of all articles relating to Mental Health / Psychosocial Hazards click here