Strengthening Client WHS Evaluations: Insights from a Recent On-Hire Case
A recent court case involving Momentum Consulting Group Pty Ltd highlights an important issue for on-hire businesses: having WHS processes in place is one thing, ensuring they work in practice is another.
In this case, a site inspection was completed by an account manager who had not been provided with the training or support required to properly assess safety risks. This was not a failure of an individual, but a gap in how the business had structured, resourced, and supported its WHS process.
The case demonstrates why WHS systems must be supported by clear frameworks, appropriate training, and ongoing oversight, so staff conducting client WHS evaluations are genuinely equipped to identify health and safety risks when placing workers at host sites.
A Common Industry Challenge
While on-hire businesses have limited control over the host’s work environment, this does not remove their WHS responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of the worker.
As a result, labour hire firms typically rely on:
Information from host employers
WHS documentation provided by the client
Site visits
Ongoing consultation with workers
This approach is standard across the industry. However, it also means businesses must have systems that provide a clear and accurate understanding of what work is actually being performed, and the risks associated with it.
What Happened in This Case
Momentum supplied workers to a warehouse operated by Saveba Pty Ltd.
Following a serious workplace incident, the court found that Momentum had not adequately identified or understood the tasks its workers were performing on site.
In particular:
The site inspection was completed by an account manager who was not adequately trained in WHS risk assessment
The use of pallet riders was not identified as part of the role
Key risks associated with the work were missed
It was unclear whether workers had received appropriate task-specific training
Supervision arrangements at the host site were not properly understood
Because the actual work being performed was not clearly understood, Momentum was not in a position to adequately assess risks or confirm that appropriate controls were in place.
Why This Is Relevant
Many on-hire businesses operate in a similar way.
Site checks are often completed by operational staff alongside their other responsibilities. Documentation is collected. Forms are completed.
Without clear frameworks, adequate training, and sufficient time to complete assessments properly, this approach can create significant gaps, particularly where staff are expected to assess WHS risks without the necessary capability or support.
What Helps Strengthen Client WHS Evaluation
Strong WHS systems are built around the full placement lifecycle, not a one-off site visit.
This includes:
Completing a client WHS evaluation before the first placement, with scheduled reviews
Ensuring every worker receives a company induction
Clearly defining the scope of each role through a detailed job brief
Confirming role requirements with both the client and the worker
Verifying that the host has provided a site-specific induction
Confirming workers are trained and competent for the tasks involved
Monitoring safety through regular check-ins
Confirming tasks, equipment, or conditions have not changed
Raising and addressing WHS concerns early
Supporting this requires:
A structured and repeatable client WHS assessment process
Staff who are trained and competent to conduct WHS evaluations
Enough time allocated to complete assessments properly
Consistent follow-up after placement
When these elements work together, WHS becomes part of everyday operations—not just a compliance activity.
Key Takeaway
This case is a reminder that WHS processes must reflect how labour hire businesses actually operate.
Site visits and checklists are important tools, but they are only effective when supported by trained staff, clear systems, and ongoing review.
Investing in capability early helps protect workers, strengthens client relationships, and supports confident, compliant business operations.
Ready?
If your business is going through change, growth, or leadership shifts, now’s the time to take a deeper look, above and below the surface.