1.

1 general principles and theory of risk assessment

Risk Assessment it’s a document that stipulate potential hazards, risks and mitigating factors to
prevent an incident from occurring
A risk assessment must use a systematic approach because workers are the one who get in contact
with the hazard every day in the workplace.
A systematic approach must ensure that all hazards are identified in the workplace

1.2 Legal Requirement for a risk assessment is prescribed as follows

a) OHS ACT no 85 of 1993-section 8-2-d
b) MHSA OF 1996 section 11
c) Construction regulation-section 5 employer establish a baseline risk assessment

The employer has the responsibility that a risk assessment is conducted in the work place and the
person conducting the risk assessment must be competent to do so. Must have the ability to Identify
hazards, Evaluate the risk, propose strategies to eliminate the risk, assess the efficiency and
recognize personal limitations. The appointed person could be anyone.
Risk assessment required under specific legislation
 Display of screens
 Asbestos
 Dangerous substances
 Artificial equipment

1.3 Forms of Risk Assessment

a) Baseline Risk Assessment- digs deep to uncover the big risks within an organization. It sets priorities
and lays out a plan to control the risks within an organization. Baseline Risk Assessment must review
periodically after one or two years to check it’s still relevant

b) Issued Base Risk Assessment-it usually link up with a system that handles changes. We usually conduct
this assessment when a new machine is introduced in the workplace, change how we work, when
there’s accident or near miss occurred and when new knowledge comes to light and information is
received which influences the level of risk to employees in the workplace like when level of toxicity
identified of chemicals that’s where baseline has been identified.

c) Continuous Risk Assessment- this is the most important form of risk assessment that’s part and parcel
of everyday management. It doesn’t use so much of HIRA tools but it ensures keeping the workplace safe
and healthy. Frontline workers mostly handle this so it’s crucial they receive proper training. Examples of
Continuous Risk Assessment include: Audits, checklist, SNAP and Take 5.

1.4 Qualities of a risk assessment

A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must

1. It should cover routine as well as non-routine activities as well as appropriate to the nature of
the work
2. It should identify all the hazards
3. It should identify all of those who might be harmed
4. It should consider the number of people at risk
5. Those affected by it should be consulted or involved in it
6. The risk assessment should comply with relevant OHS legislation
7. It should evaluate the likelihood and severity of the risk
8. The effectiveness of the existing controls needs to be considered when evaluating the risk
9. If these are not adequate, then further controls need to be considered
10. The hierarchy of controls have been considered when deciding on the controls required (e.g.,
elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE)
11. The residual risk after implementation of the controls should be low. In other words, the risk
should be as reduced to an acceptable level
12. The results of the risk assessment should be documented; if it is not written down it is not done
13. The results of the risk assessments must be communicated to those affected by them
14. It should be valid for a certain period
15. It should be reviewed if there are significant changes or it is no longer valid, or in the event of an
accident or near miss
16. The risk assessment should be reviewed after the passage of a suitable period warrants it

1.5 Risk Assessment language

Must know the definition of accident, biological monitoring, danger, hazard, healthy, incident, listed
work, major hazard installation and etc.

1.6 Risk Assessment Process

Risk assessment process include

I)Identify the hazard ii) Asses the hazard iii) Control the hazard iv) Review the control

Modified risk assessment process

I) Classify the work activities ii) Identify the hazard iii) Determine the risk iv) Decide the risk is
tolerable V) Prepare the risk control action plan vi) Review the action plan

Risk register

A risk register brings along the information from a risk assessment to the organization. it also helps in
identifying, assessing and manage risk down to acceptable levels

Training

Risk assessment must be carried out by the competent person. Need for training and communication of
information related to risk assessment must be considered. The risk assessment should identify any
training for those carrying out the tasks that have been assessed.

5. Occupational hazard identification and qualification

5.1 Types of Hazards in the Workplace

A hazard is a source of exposure to danger.

A Risk is a probability that an injury or damage will occur.

Every Organization or work area has its own hazards

Types of hazards

a) physical hazards include workplace environment that can harm without being touched such as
noise, vibration, radiation, extreme temperature and ergonomics.
b) Chemical hazards include hazardous substance such a toxic chemicals, gases, vapors, fumes, dust
and solvents which affect from inhalation, skin contact & ingestion.
c) Biological Hazards include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and allergens
d) Psychosocial hazards include bullying, violence and harassment
e) Safety hazards include failing, slips, trips, machinery accidents and failing objects

5.2 Consequences of Hazards

Non-economic hazards include: personnel safety, environment, health, reputation, community,

compliance

Economic hazards include: Capital expenditure, Operational cost, Revenue, Schedule and Production
level

5.3 Risk Rating

In the process of Risk Analysis, once hazards and their subtypes are identified, they are then converted
into risks. It's important to note that what is assessed is the risk, not the hazard itself, as hazards are
simply identified. Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), a risk is defined as the likelihood, whether high
or low, of someone being harmed by a hazard.

To determine the risk, it's necessary to establish the risk level, which is a combination of how likely a
hazard is to cause harm and the severity of the harm if it does occur. This relationship can be expressed
in an equation:

RISK LEVEL = LIKELIHOOD X CONSEQUENCE

While this equation is widely used for determining risk level, it can be further broken down into:

RISK LEVEL = LIKELIHOOD X CONSEQUENCE

PROBABILITY X (SEVERITY X EXPOSURE)

Using the risk level, hazards can be categorized and their associated risks evaluated within an
organization. A risk matrix, which considers both likelihood and consequence, can be utilized. The
dimensions of the risk matrix, such as a 4x4 or 5x5 matrix, may vary depending on the organization.

the risk levels are classified as follows:

(a) Low – class I - acceptable

(b) Moderate- class ll – active monitoring

(c) High- class lll- proactive monitoring

(d) Critical- class iv- immediate attention

5.3.2 Defining the likelihood descriptors

For the sake of this course, the likelihood descriptors will be as follows:

Almost Certain, likely, Possible, unlikely and Rare

Hazards identification, risk analysis and risk consequences

6.1Hazards Identification Technique

1. safety committee recommendation: After safety meetings, actions might be needed to identify
hazards.

2. Employee Complains: If workers report hazards, it prompts hazard identification.

3. Safety Audits: These are scheduled checks to ensure safety systems work well. Questions include if
rules are followed and if employees are trained properly.

4. Inspections: Regular checks of the workplace help find and fix hazards, making it safer for everyone.
They involve looking at equipment, the environment, and work processes.

5. How to Plan Inspections: Check everything thoroughly, from equipment to workplace layout. Make
diagrams and gather information before inspections.

6. What to Look for During Inspections: Check for any unsafe practices or conditions, like missing safety
equipment or hazardous materials.

7. Types of Inspections: There are ongoing checks, pre-operation checks, and periodic inspections, each
serving different purposes.

8. Who Conducts Inspections: Qualified individuals or teams, including health and safety committee
members, engineers, or supervisors, carry out inspections.

9. Inspection Principles: Focus on safety risks, shut down dangerous equipment, and be thorough in your
observations.

10. Reporting and Follow-Up: Document hazards found, suggest fixes, and prioritize them for action.
Monitor progress and make sure corrective measures are taken.

11. Incident Investigations: If there's an accident or near miss, investigating helps find out why it
happened and prevent it from happening again.

12. Historical Safety Records: Past records can show trends in safety issues, guiding future hazard
identification and risk assessment efforts.

7.Summary of Mechanic and Technicalities of Risk Assessment Process

7.1 Selecting Documentation for Continuous Risk Assessment:

Before identifying hazards, it's important to gather existing documentation. Previous inspection reports,
maintenance records, and incident reports provide valuable insights. Knowing the area and equipment
thoroughly is crucial for effective hazard identification. Using checklists and making logistical
arrangements are essential steps. Documenting the continuous risk assessment process offers several
benefits, including efficiency, meeting legal obligations, and demonstrating commitment to safety.

7.2 Physical and Environmental Conditions at the Workplace:

Various hazards exist in the workplace, including biological, chemical, ergonomic, work organization,
physical, and safety hazards. These hazards can lead to illness, injury, or long-term health issues.
Continuous risk assessment requires observation at two levels: obvious hazards, easily identified, and
concealed hazards, which need exploration. Documentation such as floor plans, checklists, and standard
procedures is essential. Utilizing the senses and following safety rules are key to hazard identification and
prevention.

General Rules for People, Tools, and Materials:

Guidelines for safety include using appropriate safety equipment, reporting damages promptly, and
knowing emergency procedures. Safety precautions should be taken when handling dangerous goods or
equipment. Completing documentation accurately, having necessary tools ready, and considering

potential hazards during inspections are crucial. Effective communication with workers and maintaining a
calm demeanor during inspections are also emphasized. Obtaining permission and support from site
managers before conducting inspections is essential. By following these procedures and guidelines,
organizations can effectively identify and mitigate risks in the workplace, ensuring a safer environment
for all employees.

8. Risk control strategies

When addressing hazards, its crucial to adhere to the hierarchy of controls principles for effective risk
management.

1.Elimination: removing the hazards altogether is the most effective control like working at height
possess risks.

2. Substitution: this involves replacing hazardous elements with safer alternatives like using paint instead
of lead-based paint.

3.Engineering controls: these controls isolate people from hazards than eliminating them

4.administrative controls: changes in work practices, procedures or training.

5.PPE: such as gloves, respirators and safety gloves provide a final layer of defense,

 Pure risks are assessed without considering existing controls

 Residual risks account for existing controls and follow the hierarchy
 Elimination is excluded from the hierarchy due to impracticality
 Effectiveness of controls is quantified with substitution and isolation
 The methodology considers existing mitigation measures when rating risk significance
 The exposure x probability x severity formula is used to quantify and assess SHE risks.
9 Remedial Action and follow up

9.1 Taking action

After implementing the appropriate control measures, responsibility is assigned to a specific person and
deadline for action is set the information is communicated to the responsible individual and priority is
based on the level of risk:

 Very high risks: immediate action is required

 High risks must be in place within 24 hours
 Medium risk: should be implemented and periodically
 Low risk: risks are low concern

9.2 Formal Recording of risk management

To ensure the effectiveness of risk management and to provide evidence of structure risk management
system its crucial to document the risk management process and outcomes. Information to be recorded
in the risk register includes:

 Description of the risk, Causes, Consequences, Current control measures, Assessment of

likelihood and consequences, further action needed, progress updates on implemented
treatments and results from monitoring and review control effectiveness.

9.3 Communication and Consultation

Are important for ensuring that stakeholders understand decision-making processes and
treatment options. Methods of communication include meetings, reports, online systems and
staff training sessions.

9.4 Monitoring and Review

Regular monitoring and review of control measures ensure their effectiveness.
Reviews are necessary: agreed period, following changes in the working practices, premises or
equipment, after an accident and when the risk assessment is no longer valid.

10. Risk Assessment Techniques for High-Risk Activities

Hazard identification and risk assessment techniques are crucial for various stakeholders
involved in activities from design to execution. While simpler approaches suffice for many
situations more complex and high-risk activities demand advanced techniques.

10.1 Hazard and Operability Studies

HAZOP studies use a qualitative method to identify hazards often during the planning or design
phase. This approach involves asking critical questions at key stages related to the product or
operations intent. It’s essential to involve a team in HAZOP activities to ensure comprehensive
consideration of potential deviation.

10.2 Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA)

FMEA examines the effect of component failures within a system. During the design phase,
teams identify potential failure modes for each component and assess likelihood, severity and
detectability of consequences. A risk rating is assigned to each failure mode and appropriate
remedial actions are proposed.
10.3 Job Safety Analysis
JSA breaks down tasks into steps and assesses the health and safety implications of each step.
This involves identifying key steps, analyzing associated risks, defining precautions and controls
and developing safe operating procedures and instructions.