NDIS Risk Assessments

Risk Assessments help identify and manage risks that may impact a person’s safety, wellbeing, and ability to function in daily life.

At Belong Health, we provide structured, evidence-informed risk assessments to support individuals with complex needs across Mandurah, Perth, and Western Australia.

These assessments are often used alongside Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to better understand behaviour, environments, and safety considerations.

Belonging. Empowerment. Innovation.

Enquire Now

Call us

Download Our Brochure

WHAT IS A RISK ASSESSMENT?

A Risk Assessment is a structured process used to:

identify potential risks to the individual or others
understand contributing factors
evaluate the level and likelihood of risk
develop strategies to reduce or manage risk
support safe participation in daily activities

Risk assessments are commonly used in home, community, and support settings.

WHY RISK ASSESSMENTS ARE IMPORTANT

Risk assessments help ensure:
✔ safety for the individual and others
✔ appropriate support strategies are in place
✔ consistency across support teams
✔ informed decision-making
✔ reduced likelihood of escalation or harm

They are particularly important when behaviours or circumstances increase safety concerns.

TYPES OF RISKS WE ASSESS

Risk may relate to a wide range of factors, including:

Behavioural Risks

aggression or high-intensity behaviours
impulsive or reactive responses
behaviours that may cause harm

Environmental Risks

unsafe home or community environments
hazards linked to mobility or cognition
access to unsafe items or areas

Functional Risks

difficulties with daily tasks (e.g. cooking, hygiene)
reduced awareness of danger
challenges with independence

Cognitive & Neurological Risks

dementia-related behaviours
confusion or disorientation
memory-related safety concerns

WHO MAY NEED A RISK ASSESSMENT?

Risk assessments may be recommended for individuals who:

experience behaviours of concern
have difficulty with safety awareness
have cognitive or neurological conditions
are transitioning to new environments (e.g. home, SIL, SDA)
require structured support planning
are at risk of harm to themselves or others

HOW A RISK ASSESSMENT IS COMPLETED
Our process may include:

Information Gathering

discussions with the individual, family, and support team
review of current supports and routines

Observation (Where Appropriate)

understanding behaviour and risks in real environments

Risk Identification & Analysis

identifying key risk areas
understanding contributing factors
assessing severity and likelihood

Strategy Development

practical recommendations to reduce risk
environmental adjustments
behaviour support strategies
support team guidance

Reporting

clear, structured report
recommendations aligned with NDIS goals
guidance for implementation

RISK ASSESSMENTS & PBS

Risk assessments are often closely linked with Positive Behaviour Support.
They may be used to:

inform a Behaviour Support Plan
support Functional Behaviour Assessment findings
guide safe responses to behaviour
reduce the need for restrictive practices

Learn more about NDIS PBS Support

RISK ASSESSMENTS & NDIS SUPPORT

Risk assessments may support:

NDIS plan reviews
justification for supports
behaviour support funding
housing decisions (SDA, SIL)
support coordinator planning

They help provide clear evidence of need and appropriate supports.

HOW BELONG HEALTH CAN HELP

At Belong Health, we provide risk assessments for individuals with a wide range of needs, including:

Complex behavioural presentations
Emotional regulation difficulties
Autism and ADHD
Dementia and cognitive decline
Neurological conditions
Functional and environmental safety concerns

Our approach is:
✔ person-centred
✔ practical and realistic
✔ aligned with NDIS requirements
✔ focused on safety and independence

GETTING STARTED

If you’re concerned about safety, behaviour, or risk in daily life, a structured assessment may help provide clarity and practical next steps.

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email

free 20min PBS Session
with our PBS Specialist for ages 0-65+

Empowering individuals and families, one goal at a time.

Connect with Belong Health to experience personalised PBS services in the Peel Region, Perth Metro or via Telehealth Across Australia.
Our Free Connect PBS session with a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner is designed to address your unique needs and empower you or your family.
Secure your spot today and discover how our team can help you thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions about NDIS Risk Assessments

What is an NDIS risk assessment?
An NDIS risk assessment identifies potential risks that may impact a person’s safety, independence, participation, or wellbeing. It may include areas such as home safety, mobility, behaviour, equipment use, community access, and support arrangements.

What is a risk assessment in simple terms?
A risk assessment is a structured way of identifying what could go wrong, how likely it is, how serious it could be, and what strategies may help reduce the risk.

Why might an NDIS participant need a risk assessment?
A participant may need a risk assessment if there are concerns about safety, behaviour, mobility, falls, equipment use, support arrangements, or participation in daily life.

Who can complete an NDIS risk assessment?
Risk assessments should be completed by a qualified professional such as an occupational therapist, behaviour support practitioner, psychologist, speech pathologist, nurse, or another appropriately trained clinician.

What does an NDIS risk assessment include?
An NDIS risk assessment may include information about the person’s environment, daily routines, support needs, identified hazards, level of risk, and recommended strategies or supports.

What types of risks are assessed in the NDIS?
Common areas include physical safety, falls risk, behavioural risk, environmental risk, health-related risks, communication risks, and risks related to community access or support arrangements.

What is a risk assessment checklist?
A risk assessment checklist is a tool used to guide the assessment process and ensure common risk areas such as home safety, mobility, behaviour, communication, and emergency planning are considered.

How is a risk assessment completed step by step?
A risk assessment typically involves identifying hazards, understanding who may be affected, assessing likelihood and impact, recommending strategies, documenting findings, and reviewing over time.

What is the first step in a risk assessment?
The first step is identifying the concern or hazard by reviewing the person’s environment, routines, health, behaviour, and support needs.

What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?
A hazard is something that could cause harm. A risk is the likelihood and potential impact of that harm occurring.

What should a risk assessment include?
A risk assessment should include identified hazards, who may be affected, the level of risk, strategies to reduce risk, and a plan for review.

How often should risk assessments be reviewed?
Risk assessments should be reviewed when circumstances change, after incidents, or when a person’s needs, environment, or supports change.

What is risk management in the NDIS?
Risk management involves identifying risks and putting strategies in place to support safety, independence, and participation while balancing choice and autonomy.

What does dignity of risk mean in the NDIS?
Dignity of risk means recognising a person’s right to make choices and take reasonable risks while still supporting safety and independence.

What is considered low risk in the NDIS?Low risk generally means the likelihood or impact of harm is lower, but this depends on the individual, their environment, and their support needs.

Can anyone write a risk assessment?
Anyone can identify concerns, but formal NDIS risk assessments should be completed by a qualified professional within their scope of practice.

What are common mistakes in risk assessments?
Common mistakes include being too generic, not considering the person’s goals, focusing only on risk rather than independence, not reviewing the assessment, or making unsupported recommendations.

What tools are used in risk assessments?
Tools may include clinical observation, interviews, environmental checklists, falls risk tools, behaviour assessments, and professional clinical reasoning.

Is a risk assessment the same as an NDIS assessment?
No. A risk assessment focuses on identifying and managing risks, while other NDIS assessments may focus on function, therapy needs, or support planning.

Can a risk assessment support NDIS funding requests?
A risk assessment may provide evidence for supports, equipment, or services, but funding decisions are made by the NDIA or relevant decision-makers.

What is a risk assessed role in NDIS worker screening?
A risk assessed role refers to a job where a worker has direct or significant contact with participants and may require an NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Is an NDIS Worker Screening Check the same as a risk assessment?
No. A Worker Screening Check assesses a worker’s suitability for roles, while a participant risk assessment focuses on a person’s safety and support needs.

How can Belong Health help with NDIS risk assessments?
Belong Health can complete person-centred risk assessments, identify key risk areas, and provide practical recommendations to support safety, independence, and participation.