Maintain Group – Take 5 Induction

Take 5 Pre-Task Risk Assessment

Before starting any task, take 5 minutes to identify hazards, assess risks, and put controls in place.

Safety First — Every Task, Every Time

Welcome to Take 5 Training

Understanding pre-task risk assessment

What is a Take 5? A Take 5 is a short, structured pre-task risk assessment that every Maintain Group worker must complete before starting any new task or when conditions on site change. It takes approximately 5 minutes and could save your life.

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
ⓘ Maintain Group Requirement Completion of a Take 5 is mandatory before commencing any work on Maintain Group projects. Failure to complete a Take 5 when required may result in removal from site.
The 5 Steps of Take 5

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

1
Step 1

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.

2
Step 2

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.

3
Step 3

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.

4
Step 4

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.

5
Step 5

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.

Knowledge Check
What does the letter 'A' stand for in the Take 5 process?
Hazard Recognition & Controls

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

1
Eliminate — Remove the hazard completely. The most effective control.
2
Substitute — Replace the hazard with something less dangerous.
3
Isolate — Separate the hazard from people (barriers, exclusion zones).
4
Engineer — Use engineering controls (guarding, ventilation, interlocks).
5
Administer — Safe work procedures, permits, signage, training.
6
PPE — Personal protective equipment. Last resort, not a substitute for other controls.
⚠ Important — Stop Work Authority Every Maintain Group worker has the right and responsibility to stop work if they believe a task is unsafe. You will never be penalised for using your Stop Work Authority. If you identify a hazard you cannot control — stop, step back, and notify your supervisor.
Knowledge Check
Which level of the hierarchy of controls is considered the most effective?
Practical Application

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

How to Fill Out a Take 5
MAINTAIN GROUP PRE-TASK RISK ASSESSMENT — TAKE 5 MIA-FORM-001 A WORKER NAME John Smith DATE 21 Aug 2026 TIME 07:15 AM SITE / PROJECT Newman Project — Area 3 POSITION Rigger TASK DESCRIPTION Rigging and lifting steel beams using crane — 4 lifts approx. 2.5 tonnes each, 6m height Complete all header fields before assessing hazards — be specific about the task. B HAZARD IDENTIFIED RISK (L/M/H) CONTROL MEASURE RESIDUAL RISK OK? Working at heights — crane lift 6m HIGH Full body harness, exclusion zone, spotter positioned, crane certificate verified LOW Moving plant / crane in area HIGH Tag-out / lock-out procedures followed, exclusion zone barricaded, spotter on radio LOW Extreme heat — 38°C forecast MED Hydration station within 10m, 20-min rest breaks enforced, buddy system in place LOW Add more rows as needed… List every hazard. Rate the risk before controls (L/M/H). Describe your specific controls. Re-rate residual risk after controls. If any residual risk remains HIGH — do not proceed. Stop work and notify your supervisor. C PPE REQUIRED FOR THIS TASK Hard Hat Safety Glasses Hi-Vis Vest Harness Gloves PERMIT REQUIRED? YES — WP Tick all PPE required and note any permit type. D DECLARATION & SIGNATURE I confirm all hazards are identified and controlled, and it is safe to proceed. Signature TIME 07:22 AM Sign only when all risks are controlled. Do not sign if unsure. HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE A Fill in all header details before starting B List every hazard, rate risk, apply controls C Tick all PPE required for the task D Sign only when all hazards are controlled ⛔ STOP WORK IF: Any residual risk is HIGH — or you are unsure. Notify your supervisor immediately.

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)
ⓘ Be Specific — Vague Entries Are Not Acceptable Writing "wear PPE" is not sufficient. You must specify what PPE (e.g. hard hat, safety glasses, steel-capped boots, gloves) and why it is required for that particular hazard.

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
Where to Find Take 5 Forms Take 5 forms are available from your supervisor, the site office, or in the safety kit on site. Completed forms must be submitted to your supervisor or site manager and retained as a site record.
Knowledge Check
You completed a Take 5 at the start of your shift. Halfway through the day, you are asked to move to a different area of the site to perform a different task. What should you do?
Knowledge Check
You identify a hazard during your Take 5 that you are unable to control with the resources available to you. What is the correct action?
Sign Off & Completion

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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.