Untitled Quiz

Study Notes

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 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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.