Take 5 Induction
Pre-Task Risk Assessment Training — Maintain Group
Take 5 Pre-Task Risk Assessment
Before starting any task, take 5 minutes to identify hazards, assess risks, and put controls in place.
Welcome to Take 5 Training
Understanding pre-task risk assessment
Why Take 5 Matters
The majority of workplace incidents occur because workers did not stop to think about the hazards before starting a task. A Take 5 breaks this cycle by creating a moment of deliberate thought before action.
When Must You Complete a Take 5?
- Before starting any new task or work activity
- When your work environment changes (weather, people nearby, new equipment)
- When you return to a task after a break or interruption
- When conditions on site change unexpectedly
- Any time something feels unsafe or unfamiliar
Work through each step every time you complete a Take 5. Do not skip steps — each one builds on the last.
Stop — Think — Assess — Control — Proceed
Five deliberate steps before every task
STOP
Pause before you start. Break the momentum of routine and create a deliberate moment of awareness. Do not allow time pressure or habit to push you straight into a task without stopping first.
THINK
Think about the task ahead. What exactly are you about to do? What tools and equipment are involved? Who else is nearby? Have you done this task before in these exact conditions? Think through the whole job from start to finish.
ASSESS
Identify the hazards — anything that could cause harm. Look around your work area carefully. Think about what could go wrong during each stage of the task. Consider hazards to yourself and others nearby.
CONTROL
For every hazard you identified, determine what controls are needed to reduce the risk. Use the hierarchy of controls — eliminate the hazard if possible, then work through substitution, isolation, engineering, administration, and finally PPE.
PROCEED
Only proceed once all hazards are controlled and you are confident it is safe to start. If you cannot control a hazard, do not proceed. Stop work and notify your supervisor immediately.
Identifying hazards and applying the right controls is the core skill behind an effective Take 5.
Types of Hazards
Know what to look for on any Maintain Group site
Common Hazard Categories
- Physical hazards — working at heights, moving plant, pinch points, hot surfaces, noise, vibration
- Chemical hazards — hazardous substances, fumes, dusts, flammable liquids
- Electrical hazards — live equipment, overhead power lines, wet conditions near electrical sources
- Environmental hazards — extreme heat or cold, sun exposure, uneven terrain, slippery surfaces
- Ergonomic hazards — manual handling, repetitive tasks, awkward postures
- Psychological hazards — fatigue, stress, time pressure, distraction
Hierarchy of Controls
Always apply the highest level of control possible
How to complete a Take 5 on Maintain Group projects — what to do, what to record, and what to do when things change.
Completing a Take 5 Form
Step-by-step guide to filling it out correctly
What to Record
- Your name, date, time, and the location/project
- A clear description of the task you are about to perform
- Every hazard you have identified for that task
- The risk rating for each hazard (Low / Medium / High)
- The control measures you will apply for each hazard
- Your signature confirming it is safe to proceed (or your decision to stop work)
When Conditions Change
A Take 5 completed at the start of the day does not cover you for the whole day. You must complete a new Take 5 if any of the following occur:
- The task or scope of work changes
- You move to a different work area or location
- Weather conditions change significantly
- New people, equipment, or plant enter your work area
- An incident or near-miss occurs nearby
- You feel fatigued, unwell, or distracted
Complete your details below and provide a digital signature to finalise your Take 5 induction.
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Take 5 Induction Complete
Your Take 5 induction has been submitted to Maintain Group. A copy has been sent to planning@maintaingroup.com.au.
Remember — complete a Take 5 before every task. Stay safe out there.