5 Overlooked WHS Risks That Could Shut Down Your Small Business
Workplace Safety Isn’t Optional It’s Crucial to Your Business
Running a small business in New South Wales? You’re not alone in prioritising sales, staffing, and operations, but Work Health and Safety (WHS) must stay on your radar. Even one overlooked risk can lead to a serious injury, compliance breach, or costly downtime that threatens the future of your business.
In our role as WHS consultants working with small businesses across NSW, we’ve seen the same five safety blind spots appear again and again. And they’re not always obvious.
Why Small Business Owners Must Prioritise WHS Risk Management
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), you have a legal duty to protect your workers, no matter how small your team or your premises. Ignoring or underestimating safety risks exposes you to
Serious harm to employees
Workers’ compensation claims
Regulatory penalties from SafeWork NSW
Reputation damage and business disruption
Here are five WHS risks small business owners often ignore, and what to do about them.
1. Hazardous Manual Tasks - Not Just Heavy Lifting
Why it’s overlooked
Many assume manual handling risk only applies to tradies or warehouse workers. But repetitive movements, awkward postures, and tool use in small offices, cafés, or salons can cause just as much damage.
The Risk
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the leading causes of workplace injury in Australia, affecting nerves, joints, and tendons, leading to chronic pain or time off work.
What to do
Conduct manual task risk assessments across roles.
Improve ergonomics for all staff (e.g., chairs, keyboards, lifting tools).
Train employees in task rotation and safe handling techniques.
Invest in low-cost aids like trolleys, stools, and adjustable workbenches.
2. Slips, Trips and Falls The “Simple” Accidents
Why it’s overlooked
It’s easy to ignore loose cables or wet tiles when bigger issues seem more urgent. But these “minor” oversights are major contributors to injury claims.
The Risk
Slips and trips involving an employee or customer are among the leading causes of lost-time injuries, fractures, and legal liability for business owners. Even a single incident could trigger an SafeWork inspection or insurance claim.
What to do
Schedule routine housekeeping and maintenance.
Install anti-slip mats and adequate lighting.
Use cable covers and fix uneven flooring.
Review your layout to ensure clear access paths throughout the workplace.
3. Inadequate Emergency Preparedness
Why it’s overlooked
Many small businesses think “we’ll figure it out if something happens.” That approach fails fast during a real emergency.
The Risk
Poorly managed emergencies can result in panic, injury, lost time, or legal non-compliance. Inadequate first aid supplies or knowledge can turn small incidents into critical events.
What to do
Create a simple emergency evacuation plan (floor plan and procedure).
Assign and train first aiders, even in small businesses.
Regularly check and restock first aid kits.
Test emergency alarms, lighting, and ensure exits are clear and accessible.
4. Chemical Safety It’s Not Just Industrial Sites
Why it’s overlooked
Small businesses using everyday items like cleaners, sprays, paints, or adhesives often assume they’re harmless. But many products are classified as hazardous chemicals under WHS law.
The Risk
Incorrect storage or usage of chemicals can cause burns, respiratory problems, poisoning, or even fires. Missing information in the form of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is a WHS compliance breach.
What to do
Audit all chemicals and maintain SDS documentation.
Store products safely (never near food or heat sources).
Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) gloves, goggles and train staff on spill procedures.
Keep chemical containers labelled and store incompatible substances separately.
5. Psychosocial Hazards Stress, Fatigue, Bullying
Why it’s overlooked
Psychosocial hazards aren’t visible like a slippery floor or broken step. Many business owners dismiss stress or interpersonal conflict as “just part of the job.” Long hours and fatigue might be worn as a badge of honour.
The Risk
Unchecked stress, burnout, or bullying can lead to mental illness, physical exhaustion, poor performance, and legal complaints under WHS laws.
What to do
Introduce regular wellbeing check ins with staff, simple but effective.
Create a zero-tolerance bullying and harassment policy.
Promote mental health resources.
Assess your psychosocial risks.
Don’t Wait for a Regulator or Injury Be Proactive
The biggest safety risk? Assuming you're too small to matter.
SafeWork NSW expects every business, no matter the size, to identify hazards, control risks, and maintain WHS systems. Proactively managing these five overlooked risks protects your people and your livelihood.
Take Action with Lane Safety Systems
At Lane Safety Systems, we help small businesses across NSW assess their WHS risks and implement practical, compliant controls. Whether you operate a café, shopfront, mobile service, or home office, we make WHS easy and achievable.