Instructions for Students:	Instructions for Students: Please complete all field highlighted in yellow. Please read all statements in table and make sure you understand the processes and your responsibilities. In addition to this USC Risk Assessment, you will need to submit copies of all relevant risk assessments and safe work method statements that are developed for your work experience activities by the organisation you will work for, before you can start your placement. This is your responsibility. Please add an electronic signature to the signature box (you can take a photo of your signature with your phone, email it to yourself, crop it and insert it into table). Once you have finished filling out form, save file name as: (Your Surname, First Initial) – USC Risk Assessment for Work Experience at (the Company) and send it back to me at amccallu@usc.edu.au
Background and Specifics	As part of the USC Engineering Program, all students are required to complete a minimum of 12 weeks (60 days) relevant work experience at an approved host organisation. USC students are covered by University insurances to undertake unpaid work experience at the host organisation. However, host organisations are required to induct students in appropriate safe work methods, and to work with the students to develop appropriate risk assessments for the work they will be performing with the organisation. The risk assessment is also a tool to provide clarity regarding WHS responsibilities and control of the working environment. Host organisations must provide copies of all internal risk assessments and safe work method statements developed to manage potential risks to student while they are undertaking work experience.
Scope (What this risk assessment covers) Geographical setting; Expected Environment; Acceptable Conditions)	Excludes (specific risk assessments are required) Unapproved Geographical settings; Unsuitable Environment; Unacceptable activities or Conditions
Organisation or commercial operation/s-based sites or locations in proximity to a town, or city. During daylight hours	Remote locations (without reliable communication and/or further than 50km from a hospital. Night or low visibility conditions. Conducting high risk activities: confined spaces, at height or in excess noise environment, boating or diving, drones or firearms.
TEMPLATE by: Team Leader Safety and Fieldwork	TEMPLATE Issued: 27/11/2025
Risk Assessment completed by: STUDENT NAME	Date Completed: Click or tap to enter a date.

Specifics for this placement:

Student Name	Student Name
Program/Course/Employment Type	Engineering Work Experience Risk Assessment
Host or Provider	Company or Organisation Name and Contact Person
Project	Are you working on a specific project or just working generally
Dates	Insert the expected dates you will be working with the organisation
Notes	Any other important information about your placement?

Risk description	Inherent Risk (without controls)	Minimum Controls	Specific Information/ Comment/ Notes/Additional Controls (N/A if not applicable)	Residual risk (after controls are applied)
Consequence	Likelihood	Risk rating	Consequence	Likelihood	Risk rating
People
Exposure to unsafe practices. Source: Lack of WHS systems Implications: People Risk	Catastrophic	Possible	High	Risk assessment by Host completed and attached. Emergency/Incident response plan in place. Commitment to provide safety procedures provided to the student for activities. Host details recorded above.	NOTE: Please submit copies of all relevant risk assessments and safe work method statements that are developed for your work experience activities	Moderate	Rare	Low
Exposure to unsafe practices. Source: Lack of supervision Implications People Risk	Catastrophic	Possible	High	Students are supervised by host staff throughout the placement.	Moderate	Rare	Low
Exposure to unsafe practices. Source: Lack of Host & USC relationship Implications People Risk	Major	Possible	High	Both email and telephone liaison have been undertaken with the host by the supervisor. Contact information attached.	All contact information must be contained in the STUDENT PLACEMENT AGREEMENT between USC and the Host.	Minor	Unlikely	Low
Student
Exposure to unsafe practices. Source: Lack of knowledge, skills or experience. Implications: People Risk	Catastrophic	Possible	High	Student meets inherent requirements of the host. PID submitted and considered. Students have completed all compulsory require-ments e.g. Blue Card, Hep B vaccinations or briefings. Supervisor approves the student for the host and activities. Host provides an induction.	All engineering students undertaking work placements that include fieldwork or site work must have valid WHITE CARD before they will be allowed on site. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange a WHITE CARD for themselves. Students are generally also required to provide their own PPE, particularly steel-capped boots.	Catastrophic	Unlikely	High
Exposure to inappropriate behaviours. Source: interactions of people and non-compliance with code of conduct Implications: People Risk	Catastrophic	Possible	High	Participants required to comply with code of conduct and expected behaviours.	Moderate	Rare	Low
Environment
Emergency Events Source: unexpected events, incidents or medical episode Implications: People Risk	Major	Possible	High	All host emergency procedures implemented if required. Researcher familiar with Incident response and reporting procedures. Disclosure of participants Medical conditions (including allergies) are required to be reported, and an individual management plan developed. Persons with injuries or illnesses which could be aggravated by the activities or environment must have medical clearance and a medical plan to participate.	It is the student’s responsibility to advise the host organisation of any medical or other factors that may adversely affect personal health and safety or the health and safety of others while on placement.	Major	Rare	Medium
Activity
Local travel	Catastrophic	Possible	High	Drivers are authorised, licensed staff. Drivers are experienced or supervised The vehicle is fit for purpose for the expected driving and The vehicle is well maintained Route and road conditions are checked by the driver prior to departure and during travel. The route and destination is known and communicated.	Catastrophic	Rare	Medium
Outdoor work	Catastrophic	Possible	High	Adequate drinking water available Outdoor activities limited during the middle of the day or in extreme heat conditions. Shade provided and utilized where possible. Sunscreen provided. PPE- long trousers and sleeves recommended and covered footwear worn by all participants.	Please refer to relevant risk assessments and safe work method statements that apply to your work experience activities	Minor	Unlikely	Low
Use of equipment and tools	Catastrophic	Possible	High	Planned activities involving equipment or tools under the supervision, training and guidance of the Host organisation. First aid Kit and trained personnel available.	Please refer to relevant risk assessments and safe work method statements that apply to your work experience activities.	Moderate	Rare	Low
Other Considerations (Select the relevant Consequence, Likelihood and Risk Rating)
Exposure to Respiratory Illness Source: Interacting with others Implications: People Risk	Catastrophic	Possible	High	Students must monitor media communications for changes in recommended measures . Students who are feeling unwell are to stay home until they no longer have symptoms. If you are showing symptoms follow the advice on MyUniSC or Qld Health, Remind all staff and students to practice recommended personal hygiene measures Disinfecting work areas and equipment implemented.	Moderate	Unlikely	Medium
Add additional or specific information Here (if required)	Add Controls here-Consider the Heirarchy of controls*	Add additional or specific information Here	Catastrophic	Possible	High

APPROVALS
STEP	Role	Name	Signature	Date
1	Engineering Work Experience Student	Click or tap here to enter text.	Click or tap here to enter text.	Click or tap to enter a date.
2	Compliance Checked and Authorized by: Choose an item.	Note: You need to select your program coordinator from the drop down list on the left and email this form to them on completion:	Click or tap here to enter text.	Click or tap to enter a date
3	Authorised by Dean of School SSTE Note: If your work experience includes any High Risks, you will also need authorisation from DoS as well.	Click or tap here to enter text.	Click or tap here to enter text.	Click or tap to enter a date.

Risk Rating Tables Risk Matrix (FYI only)

Consequences
1. Insignificant	2. Minor	3. Moderate	4. Major	5. Catastrophic
Likelihood	a. Almost Certain	Medium	High	High	Extreme	Extreme
b. Likely	Low	Medium	High	High	Extreme
c. Possible	Low	Medium	Medium	High	High
d. Unlikely	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
e. Rare	Low	Low	Low	Medium	Medium

Likelihood Assessment

The number of times within a specified period which a risk (a specific event or outcome) may occur, either as a consequence of business operations or through failure of operating systems, policies or procedures. One or more of the following descriptions or indicators may be used to assess the likelihood depending on the relevance to the risk being considered.

Rating	Description	Quantification	Indicative Probability
Almost Certain	The event is expected to occur in most circumstances.	Likely to occur once within a 3-month period or multiple times within 12 months.	>90%
Project - One or more times during project life.
Likely	The event will probably occur in most circumstances.	Could occur once within a 12-month period.	71–90%
Project - 71-90% probability the event will occur during project life.
Possible	The event might occur at some time.	Could occur within a 1-to-5-year period.	31–70%
Project - 31-70% probability the event will occur during project life.
Unlikely	The event could occur at some time but not considered likely to occur.	Could occur within a 5-to-10-year period.	10–30%
Project - 10-30% probability the event will occur during project life.
Rare	The event may only occur in exceptional circumstances.	May occur within every 10-year period or more.	<10%
Project - Less than 10% probability the event will occur during project life.

Consequence Assessment: The impact which a risk (a specific event or outcome) may have if it occurs, either as a consequence of business operations or through failure of operating systems, policies or procedures. Within each Category, one or more of the following descriptions or indicators may be used to assess the consequence depending on the risk being considered.

Rating Category	Insignificant	Minor	Moderate	Major	Catastrophic
Impact description	Some loss but not material, existing controls and procedures assessed as adequate.	Event with consequences that can be readily adsorbed but requires management to minimise impact.	Significant event or circumstances that can be managed under normal circumstance.	Serious incident or event that can be endured with proper management.	Event or circumstance with potentially disastrous impact on business and/or staff and students.
Strategic Growth (ENTREPRENEURIAL)	Minimal impact on delivery of strategic goal. Minimal impact on Strategic Plan and the University. KPI <5% lower that expectation.	Short-term impact on delivery of strategic goal. Minor impact on the Strategic Plan and the University KPI 5%-10% lower than expectation.	Medium-term delays in delivery of strategic goal. Moderate impacts on the Strategic Plan and the University. KPI <10%-25% lower that expectation.	Major delays in delivery of strategic goal. Major impacts to the Strategic Plan with reputational / and or political consequences. KPI <25%-50% lower than expectation.	Inability to deliver strategic goal with catastrophic impacts to the Strategic Plan and major reputational and / or political consequences. KPI >50% lower than expectation.
Financial Viability (ENTREPRENEURIAL)	<0.25% of operating budget (<$500K for USC Consolidated Budget).	Between 0.25% & 1% of operating budget ($500k-$2m for USC Consolidated Budget).	Between 1% & 5% of operating budget ($2m-$10m for USC Consolidated Budget).	Between 5% & 10% of operating budget ($10m-$20m for USC Consolidated Budget). Short-term inability to pay staff & creditors, <3 months cash reserves held	>10% of operating budget (>$20m for USC Consolidated Budget). Inability to pay staff & creditors, <1 month cash reserves held.
Research Risk (ENTREPRENEURIAL)	Minimal impact on delivery or outcome of research conducted.	Some minor issues with the quality of research conducted.	Lack of quality in research conducted.	Components of Research Standards as per ARC/NHMRC Code of Research Conduct not met.	Research Standards as per ARC/NHMRC Code of Research Conduct not met.
Culture and Values Risk (BALANCED)	Issue raised by community/ industry partner resolved promptly by day-to-day management processes. Negligible damage to culture and values with issues raised by staff resolved promptly by management processes; minimal staff turnover.	Issue raised by community/ industry partner resolved by USC senior management. Minimal damage to culture and values but issues raised by staff escalated, indicating low morale with some increase to staff turnover (total USC turnover >10% but ≤15%).	Criticism by community/ industry partners leading to temporary but reversible breakdown in relationship requiring escalation to USC executive. Moderate damage to culture and values and issues raised by staff escalated indicating low morale with moderate staff turnover in key area (>15% but ≤20%); or unexpected loss of 1-2 key senior staff members.	Reversible significant breakdown in community/industry partnerships requiring extensive mediation Major damage to culture and values and issues raised by staff escalated indicating low morale and engagement in University direction and resulting in significant staff turnover (>20% but ≤25%); or unexpected loss of several key senior staff.	Complete and irreversible breakdown in community/industry partnerships. Significant damage to culture and values and issues raised by staff escalated indicating low morale and engagement in University direction and resulting in extensive staff turnover (>25%); or unexpected loss of several key executive staff.
Teaching and Learning Risk (BALANCED)	Issues in teaching & learning delivery resolved promptly through management processes.	Consistency of teaching & learning delivery affected.	Lack of quality in either programs/ courses delivered.	Loss of professional accreditation for externally accredited programs with significant impacts to the University’s Strategic Plan and/or financial position.	Loss of TEQSA accreditation.

Rating Category	Insignificant	Minor	Moderate	Major	Catastrophic
Operational risk (CONSERVATIVE)	Negligible impact, cosmetic remediation required. Little or no public interest; isolated/ transient complaint resolved through management processes. Minor local media coverage.	Minor incident with adverse local environmental impact, capable of being remedied. Reputation affected with a few people; on-going complaint; performance concerns. Minor state media coverage.	Moderate environmental impact, no long-term (≤1yr) or irreversible damage. Reputation impacted with some stakeholders; community support decreased. Series of adverse articles in local/ state media coverage.	Severe environmental impact requiring significant remedial action (1-5yrs). Reputation impacted with several stakeholders; substantial public concern. Short-term adverse national media coverage.	Long-term (>5yrs) environmental impact with on-going liabilities &/or possible site closure. Reputation impacted with most stakeholders; continuous public criticism; administrators appointed. Extensive adverse national/ international media coverage.
Regulatory and Compliance (CONSERVATIVE)	Negligible impact, brief service interruption. University wide interruption to teaching, research &/or administration services during peak period of <1/2 day.	Temporary & recoverable failure causing inconvenient service interruption. University wide interruption to teaching, research &/or administration services during peak period of between 1/2 day & 1 day.	Temporary & recoverable failure causing intermittent service interruption & client dissatisfaction. University wide interruption to teaching, research &/or administration services during peak period of between 1 day & 3 days.	Widespread loss causing lengthy interruption of essential services. University wide interruption to teaching, research &/or administration services during peak period of between 3 days & 1 week.	Extensive loss of essential services. University wide interruption to teaching, research &/or administration services during peak period of >1 week.
Operational risk CONSERVATIVE)	Negligible breach that is easily rectified. Non-compliance results in minor pecuniary penalties.	Minor breach of legislation with unlikely litigation and minor pecuniary penalties. Breach is contained to a small area within the University.	Moderate breach or failure to supply information causing investigation/report to authority. Breach may have some reputational consequences.	Major breach or failure to supply required information with the possibility of litigation or fines and regulatory action with reputational consequences. Major breach or failure to supply information which results in damage to the relationship with USC’s regulators. Breach impacts multiple areas of the University. Non-compliance may place individuals at risk of harm. Liability may shift to Executive Officers.	Significant breach of legislation which is likely to result in litigation or pecuniary penalties and severe reputational consequences. Regulator/ Government reporting and oversight. Breach significantly impacts the University’s financial viability or the operational viability of critical functions

Rating Category	Insignificant	Minor	Moderate	Major	Catastrophic
People risk (including physical, emotional and psychological health and safety) (CONSERVATIVE)	Minor injuries or discomfort may require first aid. Near miss/hazard with potential to require first aid No notifiable or reportable security incident.	Incident requiring medical treatment or QAS without being admitted to hospital (eg outpatient only). Incidents that result in up to 4 days lost time from work. Near miss/hazard with the potential to require medical attention; lost time < 4 days Chemical spill/release involving known substances that are not classified as explosive, high or extremely flammability or toxic or very toxic less than 1L. Biological spill/release of material involving blood, body fluids, human tissues or biohazardous Group 1 microbes; small volumes <200ml of Group 2 microbes, unknown biohazard or materials subject to biosecurity control. Localised & readily contained routine security incident. Staff or student misconduct, harassment or discrimination incident that is managed locally.	Admitted to Hospital as an inpatient. Incidents that result in 4 or more days lost time from work A hazard and near miss that has the potential to cause serious injury/ illness. Chemical spill/release involving a known substance classified as highly flammable or toxic in a manageable volume and location. Biological spill/release of material involving large volumes ( >200ml) of Group 2 micro-organisms or of unknown risk, and materials subject to biosecurity control. Any ‘notifiable’ safety incident that does not lead to injury/illness. Routine security incident causing disruption to core services. Staff or student misconduct, harassment or discrimination incident that requires formal mediation or investigation.	Multiple injuries requiring immediate hospitalisation. Likely to result in medium to long term lost workday or permanent disability Any ‘notifiable’ safety incident requiring medical attention. Chemical spill/release where there is the significant risk of fire, explosion or serious injury/illness. Significant security incident causing considerable disruption to services. Staff or student misconduct, harassment or discrimination incident involving a formal legal investigation.	Injury/illness causing total or permanent disability. Staff or student fatality whilst undertaking university activity. Mass illness requiring assistance external resources.
Projects: - Budget*	It is not possible to measure the impact on the project as it is minimal.	Additional cost requires reallocation of available budget.	<5% deviation in approved project budget.	Between 5% & 10% deviation in approved project budget.	≥10% deviation in approved project budget.
- Scope/ Schedule#	<5% deviation in scope or scheduled end- date.	Between 5% & 10% deviation in scope or scheduled end-date.	Between 10% & 25% deviation in scope or scheduled end-date.	≥25% deviation in scope or scheduled end- date. Inability to meet deadline that has external commitments (major political or regulatory consequences).
- Objective/ Quality	End product is usable but not optimised.	End-product is usable but not desirable.	End-product is unacceptable to sponsor or key stakeholders.	End-product is effectively useless.
- Resources (Staffing / materials)	A few project resources are unavailable in short-term.	Some project resources are unavailable in medium-term.	Most project resources are unavailable in medium-term; or significant loss of technical project support	Resources required for project delivery are unavailable; or total loss of technical project support.
- Contractor relationship	Either party is irritated but no formal complaints.	Resolved at project manager level.	Senior management intervention required.	Executive intervention required.	Legal recourse initiated.
- Stakeholder / Communication/Change	Project issues resolved in normal project management processes.	Majority of end-users/local community supportive of project outputs.	Many end-users/local community non- supportive of project outputs; or project generates unfavourable interest by state- wide stakeholders.	Majority of end users/local community non- supportive of project outputs; or project generates adverse state media & public issues.	End-users/local community non-supportive of project outputs; or project generates adverse national media & widespread public issues or loss of government support.

*Budget – all projects assumed to include 15% contingency funding in the approved budget, therefore Insignificant and Minor impacts should be able to be absorbed within approved project plan.

#Schedule – all projects assumed to have in-built time contingency, therefore Insignificant and Minor impacts should be able to be absorbed within approved project plan.

Project delay calculation examples:

Project duration = 30 business days (6 weeks): if Delay is less than 2 days then Minor, 2-3 days then Moderate, 4-6 days then Major, or 7 days or more than Catastrophic.

Project duration = 60 business days (12 weeks): if Delay is less than 3 days then Minor, 3-6 days then Moderate, 7-14 days then Major, or 15 days or more than Catastrophic.

Project duration = 130 business days (26 weeks): if Delay is less than 6 days then Minor, 6-13 days then Moderate, 14-32 days then Major, or 33 days or more than Catastrophic.