Question 1

What WHS compliance do cafes need in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Australian cafes need: Food Safety Program (HACCP-based), Emergency Evacuation Plan, First Aid Kit and trained first aider, Incident Register, Chemical Register for cleaning products, Manual Handling Procedures, Slip/Trip Prevention Plan, Worker Induction Records, and appropriate Workers Compensation Insurance.

Question 2

Do cafes need a WHS policy separate from food safety?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Food safety (covered by state food acts and HACCP) is separate from workplace health and safety (WHS/OHS). Your WHS obligations cover staff safety — burns, slips, manual handling, chemical exposure, fatigue, and emergency procedures. Both are legally required and inspected by different regulators.

Question 3

What is HACCP and do small cafes need it in Australia?

Accepted Answer

HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) is a food safety management system. All Australian food businesses, including small cafes, must have food safety procedures based on HACCP principles. The specific requirements vary by state — some require a registered Food Safety Supervisor, others require a documented Food Safety Program.

Question 4

What are common WHS hazards in cafes and restaurants?

Accepted Answer

Common WHS hazards in cafes include: burns and scalds from hot equipment and liquids, slips on wet or greasy floors, manual handling injuries from lifting stock, cuts from knives and broken glass, chemical exposure from cleaning products, fatigue from long shifts, and workplace violence or aggression from customers.

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