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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Elimination: Completely removing the hazard from the workplace. This is the most effective control measure as it eradicates the risk entirely.
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Substitution: Replacing the hazardous materials, equipment, or processes with safer alternatives. This reduces or eliminates the risk associated with the original hazard.
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Engineering Controls: Modifying equipment, machinery, or processes to minimize the risk. Examples include installing physical barriers, ventilation systems, or automated safety features.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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Emergency Preparedness: Developing and practicing procedures for responding to emergencies and incidents to minimize harm and mitigate consequences.
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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:-