Untitled Quiz

Risk Assessment Basics

• Risk assessment is a process used to identify, evaluate, and control hazards in a workplace.
• A hazard is any agent or situation that can cause harm to life, health, property, or the environment.
• Types of hazards include biological (e.g., mold, pests), chemical & dust (e.g., cleaning products), ergonomic (e.g., repetitive motions), safety (e.g., slips, trips), work organization (e.g., stress), and physical (e.g., noise, temperature).

Risk Definition

• Risk is the combination of the most likely consequence of a hazard and the likelihood or probability of it occurring.
• It represents the chance (high or low) that the harm will occur.

Hierarchy of Controls

• The hierarchy of controls is a prioritized approach to managing risk, ranging from the most effective (elimination/substitution) to the least effective (personal protective equipment).
  • Elimination/Substitution: Physically removing the hazard or substituting it with a less hazardous alternative.
  • Engineering Controls: Strategies to protect workers from hazards (e.g., barriers, changes to machinery).
  • Administrative Controls: Changes in work procedures (e.g., training, work schedules, and policies).
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Equipment worn by workers to minimize exposure to hazards (e.g., safety glasses, ear plugs).

Controls: Elimination

• Physically removing a hazard from the workplace.

Controls: Engineering

• Strategies designed to protect workers from hazardous conditions by placing a barrier between the worker and the hazard.
• Limits the hazard but does not entirely remove it.

Controls: Administrative

• Changes in procedures aimed at reducing worker exposure to hazards.
• Examples include written safety policies/rules, adjusted work schedules, job rotation, or adjusting work pace.

Controls: PPE

• Equipment workers wear to control exposure to hazards.
• Examples include special clothing, eye protection, hearing protection, and respiratory protection.

Risk Assessment Process

• Identify hazards: Look around the workplace and identify potential harm.
• Identify who might be harmed and how: Consider all individuals or groups who might be impacted.
• Evaluate the risk and decide on precautions: Assess the likelihood and severity of the harm.
• Record findings and implement them: Document the process and steps taken.
• Review your assessment and update if necessary: Regularly review risks due to changes in procedures, new hazards, etc.

Assessing Risks

• Decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how serious that harm could be to assess risk levels.
• Consider existing controls and identify what further action is needed to control the risks.

Controlling Risks

• Look at existing controls and consider if the hazard can be removed or if the risk of harm can be minimized.
• Consider redesigning the job, replacing materials, or reorganizing procedures to reduce exposure.
• Use personal protective equipment and make sure workers wear it when necessary.

Recording Findings

• Record significant findings, including possible harm, identified affected parties, and implemented risk control, for those workplaces with 5+ employees.

Reviewing Controls

• Review the implemented controls regularly.
• Update risk assessments when changes occur.
• Consider if controls are still effective or if changes are needed in procedures, substances, or equipment.

Important Points

• Regularly update risk assessments.
• Ensure workers are aware of risks and control measures.
• Provide regular training about risk management.