OTHM Level – 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
About Lesson

Learning Outcomes:

Risk and Incident Management

1. Understand the processes and strategies for identifying hazards and evaluating risk levels when carrying out risk assessments in an organisation:-

When conducting risk assessments in an organization, the process involves systematic steps to identify hazards and evaluate risk levels:

  • Identifying Hazards:

    • Observation: Actively looking for potential dangers in the workplace by examining physical conditions, equipment, and activities.
    • Consultation: Involving employees and stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives on workplace risks.
    • Review of Incident and Health Data: Analyzing past incidents and health records to identify recurring safety issues.
    • Use of Safety Data Sheets: Referring to SDS to understand the hazards associated with chemicals and substances used.
  • Evaluating Risk Levels:

    • Likelihood Assessment: Estimating how likely it is for a hazard to cause harm.
    • Severity Assessment: Assessing the potential impact or consequences of exposure to a hazard.
    • Risk Matrix or Score: Using a matrix or scoring system to prioritize risks based on their likelihood and severity.
    • Expert Judgment: Consulting with safety experts to assess complex or unfamiliar risks.
  • Documentation and Prioritization:

    • Recording identified hazards, associated risks, and reasons for assessment decisions.
    • Ranking risks based on their level of seriousness to focus resources on high-priority hazards.
    • Considering existing controls to determine if additional measures are needed.
  • Risk Control Strategies:

    • Hierarchy of Controls: Using a systematic approach (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE) to manage risks.
    • Implementation Planning: Developing plans to put control measures into action effectively.
    • Monitoring and Review: Establishing procedures to check if controls are working and revising assessments as needed.
  • Communication and Consultation:

    • Sharing findings and recommendations with relevant stakeholders to keep them informed.
    • Encouraging ongoing communication and feedback from employees to improve safety practices.
    • Fostering a safety-conscious culture where everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe workplace.

By following these processes and strategies, organizations can systematically identify hazards, assess risks, and implement appropriate controls to protect the health and safety of their workforce and others affected by their operations.

2. Understand the strategies and techniques of risk control.

Here are strategies and techniques for risk control:

  1. Elimination: Completely removing the hazard from the workplace. This is the most effective control measure as it eradicates the risk entirely.

  2. Substitution: Replacing the hazardous materials, equipment, or processes with safer alternatives. This reduces or eliminates the risk associated with the original hazard.

  3. Engineering Controls: Modifying equipment, machinery, or processes to minimize the risk. Examples include installing physical barriers, ventilation systems, or automated safety features.

  4. Administrative Controls: Implementing policies, procedures, and training to change the way people work and reduce exposure to hazards. This can include job rotation, training on safe work practices, and scheduling work to minimize exposure.

  5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing protective gear (e.g., gloves, helmets, respirators) to employees to reduce exposure to hazards when other controls are not feasible or while additional controls are being implemented.

  6. Hierarchy of Controls: Following a systematic approach where the most effective controls (elimination and substitution) are prioritized over less effective controls (engineering, administrative, and PPE).

  7. Safe Work Practices: Establishing and enforcing procedures that outline safe methods for performing tasks and operations. This includes proper maintenance of equipment, handling of chemicals, and emergency response protocols.

  8. Training and Education: Providing employees with comprehensive training on hazards, risks, and safe practices. Ensuring they understand how to identify hazards and use controls effectively.

  9. Emergency Preparedness: Developing and practicing procedures for responding to emergencies and incidents to minimize harm and mitigate consequences.

  10. Regular Monitoring and Review: Continuously evaluating the effectiveness of controls through inspections, audits, and feedback. Updating control measures as necessary based on new information or changes in the workplace.

By employing these strategies and techniques, organizations can effectively identify, assess, and mitigate risks to create a safer work environment for employees and stakeholders.

3. Understand the models of loss causation, analysis of loss data and the importance of incident investigation:-

Models of Loss Causation

1. Domino Theory:

  • Developed by Heinrich, this model suggests that accidents result from a sequence of events. Removing one “domino” (unsafe act or condition) can prevent the accident.
  • Key Concept: Accidents are preventable by addressing root causes.

2. Swiss Cheese Model:

  • Proposed by Reason, it visualizes multiple layers of defense (cheese slices) with potential holes (failures). When the holes align, an accident occurs.
  • Key Concept: Multiple defenses reduce risk, but alignment of failures can lead to incidents.

3. Human Factors Model:

  • Focuses on human error as a significant factor in accidents. It examines the interaction between humans, machines, and the environment.
  • Key Concept: Understanding human behavior and limitations can help in designing safer systems.

Analysis of Loss Data

1. Identifying Patterns:

  • Analyzing loss data helps in identifying trends and patterns, which can reveal common causes of incidents and areas needing improvement.
  • Key Concept: Data-driven decisions improve safety management.

2. Risk Assessment:

  • Loss data analysis supports risk assessment by quantifying the likelihood and impact of potential hazards.
  • Key Concept: Informed risk assessments lead to targeted control measures.

3. Performance Measurement:

  • Regular analysis of loss data measures the effectiveness of safety programs and identifies areas for enhancement.
  • Key Concept: Continuous improvement through monitoring and feedback.

Importance of Incident Investigation

1. Root Cause Analysis:

  • Investigating incidents identifies underlying causes rather than just symptoms, leading to more effective corrective actions.
  • Key Concept: Addressing root causes prevents recurrence.

2. Learning and Improvement:

  • Incident investigation provides valuable insights into weaknesses in safety systems and practices.
  • Key Concept: Learning from incidents drives organizational learning and improvement.

3. Compliance and Accountability:

  • Thorough investigations ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and demonstrate accountability.
  • Key Concept: Effective investigations uphold standards and build trust.

4. Preventative Measures:

  • Findings from incident investigations inform the development of preventative measures, reducing the likelihood of future incidents.
  • Key Concept: Proactive prevention enhances overall safety.        

4. Understand processes and strategies to manage health and safety incidents in an organisation:-

Processes and Strategies to Manage Health and Safety Incidents

  1. Incident Response Planning

    • Develop comprehensive emergency response plans.
    • Assign clear roles and responsibilities.
  2. Incident Reporting

    • Establish a system for prompt and accurate reporting.
  3. Investigation and Root Cause Analysis

    • Form a team for thorough incident investigation.
    • Use techniques like 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagram.
  4. Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)

    • Implement corrective actions to address causes.
    • Develop preventive actions to mitigate future risks.
  5. Communication and Documentation

    • Maintain detailed records of incidents and actions.
  6. Training and Awareness

    • Provide regular training on incident response and safety practices.
  7. Emergency Drills and Simulations

    • Conduct regular drills to test and improve response plans.
  8. Review and Continuous Improvement

    • Regularly update incident management processes.
  9. Leadership and Accountability

    • Ensure active involvement of senior leadership.
  10. Integration with Business Continuity Planning

    • Integrate health and safety incident management with business continuity plans.

By understanding and implementing these processes and strategies, organizations can effectively manage health and safety incidents, minimize their impact, and promote a culture of continuous improvement in workplace safety.