A "Risk Assessment (RA)" is a fundamental and essential step in the systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating workplace hazards and the corresponding control methods that can be implemented to mitigate those risks. This process is particularly important in ensuring the safety and health of employees, as well as the protection of the environment and assets within an organization. Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professionals frequently engage in the RA process to comprehensively identify and evaluate potential hazards that may exist across an entire operation or specific project.
Introduction of Risk Assessment
The main aspects required to complete a Risk Assessment include several key components: risk identification, risk control and management, and risk communication.
Risk Identification
Risk identification involves a detailed examination of the workplace to uncover potential hazards, which can range from physical dangers, such as machinery and equipment, to chemical exposures, ergonomic risks, and even psychosocial factors. This phase may include the use of various tools and techniques, such as checklists, safety audits, and employee interviews, to ensure that all possible risks are considered.
Risk Control and Management
This phase focuses on determining the level of risk associated with each identified hazard and implementing appropriate control measures to mitigate those risks. Control methods may include engineering controls, administrative policies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and training programs designed to educate employees about safe practices. The goal is to prioritize risks based on their severity and likelihood of occurrence, allowing organizations to allocate resources effectively to manage the most critical hazards first.
Risk Communication
Risk communication involves disseminating information about the identified risks and the measures taken to control them to all relevant stakeholders, including employees, management, and regulatory bodies. Effective communication ensures that everyone is aware of the hazards present in the workplace and understands the procedures in place to protect their health and safety. It also fosters a culture of safety within the organization, encouraging employees to take an active role in identifying and reporting potential hazards.
A comprehensive Risk Assessment is not just a regulatory requirement but a proactive approach to safeguarding employees and the workplace. By systematically identifying hazards, implementing control measures, and fostering open communication, organizations can create a safer and more productive work environment.
Requirements of Risk Assessment
In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the employer to conduct RA and determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitates the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The employer shall verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment; and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment.
Methods of Risk Assessment
To simplify the RA process, the workplace can use some online tools to complete the process.
A basic RA template is published by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (a British public body responsible for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety, and welfare) to document the risks associate with the operation.
Another way to conduct the RA often consider the risk likelihood and Severity to rank or prioritize the risks. An example is published by the Canadian Centre for Occupation Health and Safety
Difference between Risk Assessment and Job Hazard Analysis
OSHA provides the guidelines for performing the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) instead of RA. Is the JHA the same as the RA? To answer that question, let’s take a look at the definition of JHA. A JHA sometimes referred to as a job safety analysis, helps identify and control unrecognized hazards, as well as hazards that might emerge when a new process or piece of equipment is introduced. Hence, a JHA is a more focused analysis of the specific risks associated with a single job or task within that operation, essentially looking at the potential hazards at each step of a particular work activity to identify and mitigate risks before they occur while the RA is an entire workplace hazard.
A comprehensive RA process will include the RA for the workplace to rank/prioritize the risk and the JHA for the specific risks associated with a single job or task within that operation that has been categorized as Medium/High risk.
Is Risk Assessment Necessary?
Yes
Depends
Can be substituted
Not Sure
Safe and Save Service Company offers a free 30-minute Risk Assessment and compliance consultant to guide you through the process. Contact us today (Tel: 609-216-9126; E-mail: SafeAndSaveEHS@gmail.com) for a free consultation.
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