Risk Assessment and Control – Detailed Explanation

 📋 Risk Assessment and Control – Detailed Explanation

🔹 What is Risk Assessment?

Risk Assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards, analyzing the risks associated with those hazards, and determining appropriate ways to eliminate or control the risk. It is a fundamental part of health and safety management.

🔹 Key Definitions

Hazard: Anything with the potential to cause harm (e.g., chemicals, electricity, working at heights).

Risk: The likelihood that the harm from a particular hazard will occur and how severe that harm could be.

Control Measure: An action taken to eliminate or reduce the risk.

🔹 5 Steps of Risk Assessment

✅ 1. Identify the Hazards

Look around your workplace or job site.

Use past incident data, equipment manuals, MSDS, inspection reports, etc.

Common hazards: slips, trips, chemical exposure, working at height, noise, fire.

✅ 2. Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How

Consider workers, contractors, visitors, or even the public.

Think about vulnerable groups: young workers, pregnant women, lone workers.

✅ 3. Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Precautions

How likely is the harm to occur?

How severe could the injury or illness be?

Use a Risk Matrix (Likelihood × Severity) to prioritize.

Choose control measures using the Hierarchy of Controls.

✅ 4. Record the Findings

Document the hazards, risks, and control measures.

Provide clear instructions and training.

Keep records for audits, inspections, and legal compliance.

✅ 5. Review and Update the Assessment

Review periodically or after:

An incident

Change in equipment or process

Introduction of new substances or machinery

🔹 Hierarchy of Controls (From Most to Least Effective)

1. Elimination – Remove the hazard entirely.

2. Substitution – Replace it with something less hazardous.

3. Engineering Controls – Isolate people from the hazard (e.g., guards, ventilation).

4. Administrative Controls – Change work procedures or schedules (e.g., training, signs).

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Last line of defense (e.g., helmets, gloves).

🔹 Example: Risk Assessment for Working at Height

Step Description

Hazard Falling from height

Who is at risk? Workers using ladders or scaffolds

Risk Level High (can lead to serious injury or death)

Control Measures - Eliminate need to work at height (use long tools)<br>- Use mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs)<br>- Ensure proper scaffolding with guardrails<br>- Provide PPE: Harness, helmet<br>- Training and supervision

Review Every 6 months or after any incident

🔹 Benefits of Risk Assessment and Control

Prevents accidents and ill health

Protects workers and visitors

Helps comply with legal requirements (e.g., OSHA, ISO 45001, local laws)

Reduces business costs (insurance, downtime, penalties)

Improves morale and safety culture

🔹 Common Tools Used

JSA/JHA (Job Safety/Hazard Analysis)

HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment)

Risk Matrix (3x3 or 5x5)

Permit to Work (PTW) systems

SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements)

🔹 Conclusion

Risk assessment and control is not just a legal requirement but a proactive approach to ensuring a safe working environment. Regular assessments, proper documentation, and effective controls can significantly reduce incidents and ensure the well-being of everyone at the workplace.

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