Trade Union Training on the Validation of the training manual entitled “Union Training on Occupational Safety and Health” Risk Assessment

Structure of the Presentation Definition of Risk Assessment Why Risk Assessment Characterising and Evaluating Risks Benefits of Risk Assessment Definition of Key Concepts Steps in Risk Assessment

What is Risk Assessment? A careful examination of what, in the workplace, could cause harm to people. The aim is to make sure no one gets hurt or becomes ill. Note: Every employer has a responsibility to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of: – the risks to the health & safety of his/her employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work; and – the risks to the health & safety of persons not in his/her employment arising out of, or in connection with, the conduct by his/her undertaking.

Risk Assessment – Why? “ To prevent accidents by identifying hazards and reducing the risk of injury from those hazards to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.”

Characterising and Evaluating Risks The process of delineating and justifying a judgement about the tolerability or acceptability of a given risk. ‘Tolerable’ refers to an activity that is seen as worth pursuing (for the benefit it carries) yet it requires additional efforts for risk reduction within reasonable limits. ‘Acceptable’ refers to an activity where the remaining risks are so low that additional efforts for risk reduction are not seen necessary.

Traffic Light Model Using the traffic light analogy, there are three zones of risk: -Red Zone, which signifies intolerable risk; -Yellow Zone, which indicates tolerable risk in need of further management action (in accordance with the ‘as low as reasonably possible’ - ALARP - principle; -Green Zone, which shows acceptable or even negligible risk.

Benefits of Risk Assessment Reduction in Injuries & Ill Health Reduction in Lost Time Reduction in Claims Reduction in Insurance Premiums Improved Employee Morale More Efficient Processes Increased Productivity Customer Satisfaction Prestige Legal Compliance

Definition of Key Concepts Accident  An unplanned, unexpected event that can result in injury or damage. Hazard  “Something with the potential to cause harm.” Risk  “The likelihood that the harm will be realised and, for the purpose of Risk Assessment, the severity of the harm”

10 Reasonably Practicable Time Trouble Cost Physical difficulty Assessment Of the Risk

Five Steps in Risk Assessment Step 1: Look for the hazards Involve employees and safety representatives. Hazards may include:

Five Steps in Risk Assessment Step 2: Decide who might be harmed and how? Employees Cleaners Visitors Contractors Maintenance Young persons/Expectant Mothers, etc.

Five Steps in Risk Assessment Step 3: Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing controls are adequate or should more be done. Safe Working Procedures Reasonably practicable Cost/benefit

Five Steps in Risk Assessment Step 4: If you employ five or more people you must record the significant findings of your assessment. Tell your employees about your findings: - Suitable - Sufficient - Not perfect

Five Steps in Risk Assessment Step 5: Review your assessment and revise it if necessary. New machines New substances New procedures

Summary of Risk Assessment Consider the task or processes. Identify the hazards. Identify who is at risk. Analyse and evaluate the risk against the severity. Decide on control measures. Implement the control measures. Monitor the control measures. Review the process.

Risk Control Measures  Remember - E.R.I.C. E liminate the hazard. R educe the hazard or change it for a safer alternative. I solate the hazard from personnel C ontrol the hazard

Remember “No one should be expected to risk life and limb in return for a contract of employment.” “Safety is, without doubt, the most crucial investment we can make, and the question is not what it costs us, but what it saves.” “Prevention is not only better, but cheaper than care… Profits and safety are not in competition. On the contrary, safety at work is good business.”

The End! Any Questions?