OHS Audits Melbourne
Independent workplace safety audits for Melbourne businesses, measured against Victorian law
Most Melbourne businesses believe their safety is under control. That’s usually until a WorkSafe inspector walks in, or someone gets hurt. An OHS audit from BWC Safety gives you a clear, independent view of your safety systems, risks and compliance position.
We assess your systems against the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), the OHS Regulations 2017 and WorkSafe Victoria’s compliance codes. Our consultants work from our Melbourne office on William Street and audit sites right across the city.
OHS Audit Enquiry
How an OHS Audit reduces risk in your business
1 / Meet your duties under the OHS Act
Victoria’s OHS Act requires employers to provide a safe working environment, so far as is reasonably practicable. An audit checks whether your systems are compliant with that duty before WorkSafe does.
2 / Protect your officers
Directors and senior managers may be held personally liable if the business commits a breach of the Act and they have not taken reasonable care. Workplace manslaughter carries up to 25 years’ jail. An independent audit reveals where your leaders are exposed.
3 / Get ahead of the psychological health rules
Since 1 December 2025, Victorian employers must identify psychosocial hazards and control them at the source. Training and awareness sessions on their own generally won’t cut it. We test to see if your controls would stand up.
4 / Find the risks you can’t see internally
Risk is concealed in familiar surroundings. A fresh, external review picks up gaps in systems, behaviours and day-to-day work before they turn into incidents.
5 / Be aware of your actual safety culture
Policies are not always in line with reality. A workplace safety review reveals the actual practice of safety in your business.
6 / Get a clear path forward
You get a prioritised action plan, so you know what to fix first.
The Victorian OHS audit will examine the following
Victoria has its own safety laws and the checklist is different to an audit in Sydney or Brisbane. Depending on your operations, we review:
- Your general responsibilities as an employer, such as safe plant, safe systems of work and information, training and supervision for your people
- How you consult with employees and health and safety representatives (HSRs)
- Psychosocial hazards and controls under the OHS (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025
- Specific requirements for hazards in the OHS Regulations 2017 (e.g. manual handling, plant, hazardous substances, noise and falls)
- Incident notification to WorkSafe and site preservation following a serious incident
- How you monitor workplace conditions and employee health
- The way directors and senior managers oversee safety performance
- Alignment with ISO 45001
Why Melbourne businesses choose BWC Safety
We provide practical OHS audits and safety assessments that give Melbourne organisations a clear understanding of their risk and compliance situation.
- Be aware of your position
We assess your business against Victorian OHS law and ISO 45001.
- Identify real risks
We uncover the gaps most internal teams miss.
- Protect your leadership team
We assist in minimising officer exposure under the OHS Act and workplace manslaughter legislation.
- Obtain clear and practical guidance
You receive recommendations that you can follow, not general advice.
Proven experience across complex organisations
BWC Safety works with organisations throughout Australia, including complex and multi-site operations.
We regularly advise directors and executives on safety culture, governance and system performance. Our team includes Exemplar Global certified ISO 45001 lead auditors, with more than 20 years in the field. We don’t just know about safety systems, we know how they work in the real world.
Operating sites in Victoria and interstate?
Victoria is the only state that hasn’t adopted the national model WHS laws. Therefore, a safety system designed for a Sydney or Brisbane location will not always fit in here.
The language is also different. Victoria speaks of employers instead of PCBUs and compliance codes instead of codes of practice. The responsibilities are similar, but the details are important when WorkSafe asks questions.
We are based in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and audit each location to the law applicable to that location. You get a clear view across all sites.
Our OHS audit process
We don’t just provide a checklist, we provide you with a full picture of your safety performance.
Your OHS audit will cover:
- Confidential staff interviews
- A safety culture survey across the organisation
- A review against Victorian OHS legislation and ISO 45001
- On-site workplace observations
- Comparison with best practice
- A detailed report with prioritised actions
We use interviews, site observations and a structured assessment to provide you with a true picture of your situation.
FAQ
Is an OHS audit the same as a WHS audit?
Mostly, yes. Both assess the effectiveness of your business’s health and safety management. The difference is the law you’re measured against. Victoria has its own OHS Act 2004, and every other state and territory has a version of the model WHS Act. That’s why it’s called an OHS audit here.
How often should we have an OHS audit?
Most businesses complete a formal OHS audit once a year. More frequent reviews are useful for higher-risk operations or businesses that are undergoing significant changes, such as a new location or a restructuring.
Does the audit cover the new psychological health rules?
Yes. We examine how you recognise psychosocial hazards such as high job demands, lack of support, bullying and aggression. Then we check your controls against the OHS (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 and WorkSafe’s compliance code.
Are audits conducted against ISO 45001?
Yes. We evaluate your systems against the international standard for health and safety management, ISO 45001, and your responsibilities under Victorian legislation. You get confidence you’re meeting your legal duties, plus a clear view of how you measure up to best practice.
How long does an OHS audit take?
This will depend on the size and complexity of your business. The on-site audit typically lasts a few hours to a day, and a detailed report is provided.
Will there be clear actions following the audit?
Yes. Every audit includes a prioritised list of actions and recommendations, with the option of implementation support.
Do you come on site in Melbourne?
Yes. Our Melbourne office is located at Level 40, 140 William Street in the CBD, and our consultants audit workplaces throughout Victoria.
Book an OHS audit in Melbourne
If you’re not sure where your safety systems stand, that’s the risk. An OHS audit gives you clarity, confidence and a clear path forward.
