Work Health and Safety (WHS) Policy Template for Aged Care Facilities
Aged care is one of Australia's highest-risk workplaces for staff injury. Manual handling, workplace violence, infection exposure, and fatigue are daily hazards. Every aged care provider has a primary duty of care under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to protect workers, residents, and visitors from harm.
This free WHS policy template gives your facility a structured, legislation-aligned document covering the full scope of workplace health and safety obligations in an aged care environment.
Why WHS Policy Matters in Aged Care
Safe Work Australia consistently identifies health care and social assistance as one of the industries with the highest rates of serious workplace injury claims. A documented, implemented WHS policy:
- Fulfils your primary duty of care obligations under the WHS Act 2011
- Reduces the risk of staff injury, absenteeism, and workers' compensation claims
- Demonstrates due diligence for officers (directors, senior managers) under the WHS Act
- Supports Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and hazard management systems
- Satisfies ACQSC auditor expectations under the Strengthened ACQS workforce standards
Key WHS Risks in Aged Care
- Manual handling and musculoskeletal injuries (moving and positioning residents)
- Workplace violence and aggression from residents and visitors
- Infection exposure (respiratory, bloodborne pathogens)
- Fatigue and shift work risks
- Needle-stick injuries and hazardous chemical exposure
- Slips, trips, and falls in the work environment
What This WHS Policy Template Includes
- Purpose and scope statement
- Policy commitments (zero harm, due diligence, consultation)
- Hazard identification and risk assessment procedures
- Hierarchy of controls framework
- Manual handling procedures
- Incident reporting and investigation
- Workplace injury management and return-to-work obligations
- Health and safety consultation and committee requirements
- Worker rights and responsibilities
- Roles and responsibilities matrix (officers, PCBUs, workers)
- Legislation and standards references
Download the Free WHS Policy Template
Instant access. Editable Word document. No credit card required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this template cover both staff and resident safety?
Yes. Under the WHS Act, the duty of care extends to workers, contractors, visitors, and others in the workplace — including residents. This policy addresses workplace hazards that affect all parties on the premises.
Do I need a separate manual handling policy?
This template covers manual handling obligations within a broader WHS framework. For facilities requiring a dedicated manual handling procedure (recommended in aged care), a separate standalone document is advisable. A training competency assessment template is available separately in Governa's training document library.
