UNIT 8 Risk in the Workplace Page 1 of 11

INTRODUCTION
A risk is a situation in the workplace that has the potential to harm the health and safety
of people or to damage plant and equipment. The situation could involve a task, chemical
or equipment used.

A risk is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or
someone under certain conditions at work. Basically, a risk can cause harm or adverse
effects (to individuals as health effects or to organizations as property or equipment
losses). The best way to prevent injuries or illness in your workplace is to find these risks
and fix them.

Examples of Risks and Their Effects

Workplace Risks Example of Risks Example of Harm Caused
Thing Knife Cut
Substance Benzene Leukemia
Material Asbestos Mesothelioma
Source of Energy Electricity Shock, electrocution
Condition Wet floor Slips, falls
Process Welding Metal fume fever
Practice Hard rock mining Silicosis

RISK ASSESSMENT STEPS

Risk assessment is a continuous process that is used to improve the health and safety of
all workplaces. It is essentially a problem-solving process aimed at defining problems
(identifying risks), gathering information about them (assessing the risks) and solving
them (controlling the risks).

The steps in risk assessment are:

1. Hazard Identification
2. Risk Evaluation
3. Control Development
4. Control Implementation
5. Review & Update
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1. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
This is the process of examining each work area and work task for the purpose of
identifying all the hazards which are inherent in the job.

Work areas include but are not limited to machine workshops, laboratories, office
areas, agricultural and horticultural environments, stores and transport, maintenance
and grounds.

Tasks can include (but may not be limited to) using screen based equipment, audio
and visual equipment, industrial equipment, hazardous substances and/or dangerous
goods, teaching/ dealing with people, driving a vehicle, dealing with emergency
situations, construction, etc.

Examples of hazards include

an unguarded gear wheel on a workshop grinding machine which has the potential to
draw a workers clothing and limbs into the drive of the machine and cause serious
bodily injury

handling of flammable liquids in the presence of ignition sources

an unlabelled container of caustic soda which has the potential to cause severe skin
burns if handled incorrectly providing services to the public which involve the
granting or withholding of some benefit or service

driving of motor vehicles or other powered equipment onsite

loose asbestos released during demolition work

noise from an uninsulated chainsaw which can reach levels of up to 110 dB with the
potential to seriously damage hearing

a badly designed shovel (for example, with a short handle and a very large blade)
which has the potential to cause back injury
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waste oil from an engine which can damage workers health through skin absorption
or be a possible cause of slips or falls

blood in a syringe at a hospital, which has the potential to infect a worker with a
disease if the needle punctures the workers skin

2. RISK EVALUATION
Risk assessments are therefore based on 2 key factors:

the likely severity or impact of any injury/illness resulting from the hazard and
the probability or likelihood that the injury/illness will actually occur

A simple risk matrix, which cross references likelihood and impact, enables risks to be
assessed against these two factors and identified as one of the following:

a critical risk
a high risk
a moderate risk
a low risk
a very low risk
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3. CONTROL DEVELOPMENT
Urgent action is required for risks assessed as Critical or High risks. The actions required
may include:

instructions for the immediate cessation of the work, process, activity, etc
isolation of the hazard until more permanent measures can be implemented

Documented control plans with responsibilities and completion dates may need to be
developed for Moderate risks.

Having established the relative importance of dealing with the identified risk, the risk
control hierarchy ranks possible risk control measures in decreasing order of
effectiveness.

Risk control measures should always aim as high in the list as practicable. Control of any
given risk generally involves a number of measures drawn from the various options.

Risk Control Hierarchy:

Elimination of hazard: examples include the proper disposal of redundant items
of equipment that contain substances such as asbestos or PCBs, the removal of
excess quantities of chemical accumulated over time in a laboratory, etc. The
elimination of hazards is 100% effective.

Substitution of hazard: examples include the replacement of solvent-based

printing inks with water-based ones, of asbestos insulation or fireproofing with
synthetic fibres or rock-wool, the use of titanium dioxide white pigment instead of
lead white, etc.

Isolation of hazard: examples include placing a particular piece of machinery in

a place where only trained staff are required to interact with it (i.e removing or
separating workers from a particular hazard where possible).
Engineering controls: examples include the installation of machine guards on
hazardous equipment, the provision of local exhaust ventilation over a process
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area releasing noxious fumes, fitting a muffler on a noisy exhaust pipe, etc. The
effectiveness of engineering solutions is around 7090%.

Personal protective equipment: includes safety glasses and goggles, earmuffs

and earplugs, hard hats, toe-capped footwear, gloves, respiratory protection,
aprons, etc. Their effectiveness in realistic work situations does not exceed 20%.

4. CONTROL IMPLEMENTATION
The implementation of controls will allow the execution of the developed control
measures and the whole process is documented.

Documenting the process will help ensure that identified control measures are
implemented in the way that they were intended. It will also assist in managing other
hazards and risks that may be in some way similar to ones already identified and dealt
with.

Adequate record keeping of the risk management process will also help demonstrate to
the Office of Regulatory Services, or in litigation, that you have been actively working to
ensure safety at your workplace.

Records should show that the process has been conducted properly including
information about the hazards, associated risks and control measures that have been
implemented.

Information should include:

hazards identified

assessment of the risks associated with those hazards

decisions on control measures to manage exposure to the risks

how and when the control measures are implemented

evidence of monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the controls

any checklist used in the process

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5. REVIEW & UPDATE

Whichever method of controlling the hazard is determined, it is essential that an
evaluation of its impact on the use of the equipment, substance, system or
environment is carried out to ensure that the control does not contribute to the
existing hazard or introduce a new hazard to the area.

It is also essential that all people concerned be informed about the changes and
where necessary provided with the appropriate information, instruction, training and
supervision as are reasonably necessary to ensure that each worker is safe from
injury and risks to health.

It is also recommended that after a period of time the area supervisor carry out a
review of the system or control to determine its suitability.

Hazard identification and risk assessment and control are ongoing processes. Make
sure that you undertake a hazard identification and risk assessment and control
process when there is a change to the workplace, including when work systems,
tools, machinery or equipment changes occur, or simply when the existing process
was done some time ago and is potentially out of date or no longer valid.

EVALUATING RISKS FOR WORKPLACE HAZARDS

Every workplace has hazards. As an employer, you have a legal responsibility to look
after your employees safety and protect them against health and safety hazards at work.

In order to manage workplace health and safety and help prevent accidents and sickness
absence, its important to identify, monitor and reduce the risk associated with
workplace hazards.

Simply put, workplace hazards are any aspect of work that cause health and safety risks
and have the potential to harm.

Some hazards are more likely to be present in some workplaces than others, and
depending on the work that you do, there will be hazards that are more or less relevant
to your business.
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Types of Hazards
There are many types of workplace hazards, which tend to come under four main
categories:

physical hazards the most common workplace hazards, including vibration,

noise and slips, trips and falls;

ergonomic hazards physical factors that harm the musculoskeletal system, such as
repetitive movement, manual handling and poor body positioning;

chemical hazards any hazardous substance that can cause harm to your
employees;

biological hazards bacteria and viruses that can cause health effects, such as
hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Legionnaires disease.

Common health risks

Some of the most common health risks associated with workplace hazards include:

breathing problems;
skin irritation;
damage to muscles, bones and joints;
hearing damage;
reduced wellbeing.

How to prevent workplace hazards

The best way to protect yourself and your employees from workplace hazards is to
identify and manage them and take reasonable steps to prevent their potential to harm.

Some practical steps you could take include:

trying a less risky option

preventing access to the hazards
organising work to reduce exposure to the hazard
issuing protective equipment
providing welfare facilities such as first aid and washing facilities
involving and consulting workers
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PROPOSED SOLUTIONS TO MINIMISE RISKS

1. Communicate your health and safety policy to staff.
Every business is required to have one, and if you employ more than five staff, it must
be in writing and available for employees to read.

2. Assess the risks.

All businesses are obliged to carry out a health and safety risk assessment. Consider
all the potential hazards in your workplace. Keep a written record of your risk
assessment and any steps you take to reduce the chance of accidents.

3. Deal with any hazards promptly.

Slips and falls account for more than a third of all workplace accidents - mainly
caused by preventable dangers like slippery floor surfaces, trailing cables and poor
lighting. Act quickly to mop up spillages, repair broken steps and encourage staff to
report maintenance faults straightaway.

4. Invite feedback from staff on safety improvements.

Create a safer workplace by consulting with staff on risk management, inviting
feedback on safety issues and encouraging your team to flag up workplace hazards.

5. Display safety information clearly.

Make sure you stay within the law by clearly displaying safety signs for staff and
customers.

6. Maintain comfort and cleanliness.

Aside from providing basics such as clean working toilets, adequate lighting and
drinking water, you must also provide appropriate tools. Try to provide the most
ergonomic layout to reduce the chance of injuries such as repetitive strain injury.

7. Provide first-aid supplies.

Ideally, you should arrange emergency first-aid training for the appointed person in
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and helping someone who is unconscious or
bleeding.
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8. Meet fire safety standards.

You are obliged to carry out regular fire safety risk assessments and maintain a fire
management plan that identifies possible hazards.

9. Learn from any mistakes.

If someone is injured, however slight, take steps to ensure it cannot happen again.
The law insists you keep a record of all accidents or illnesses that happen to your
employees during working hours.

10. Keep safety procedures updated.

Don't forget to review your policies at least once a year or more often if you are
expanding fast. Keep up to date with legislation - remember it's your job to stay
within the law.

Different Accidents and how to minimise the risks

1. Accidents with machinery, tools or materials Machinery should be guarded

correctly, with the appropriate controls fitted (including emergency stops and
interlocks). Routine inspection and an effective defect reporting system will also help
reduce misuse and minimise risk. Adequate training for all equipment is the best way
to ensure your employees are using machinery in the appropriate way.

2. Slips and trips Ensure floors are in a good condition, adequately lit and with
designated walkways. Good housekeeping standards and appropriate footwear are
also essential to minimise the risk of slips and trips and documenting a cleaning
programme for any spillages will also be of benefit.

3. Struck by object/person Its important to identify the potential sources and causes
of incidents and introduce appropriate control measures, which may include traffic
control, good housekeeping and effective machinery guarding.

4. Lifting Eliminating the need to lift wherever possible is the most effective way to
minimise risk. If lifting does need to happen providing personal protective
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equipment, lightening the load and reducing repetitive movements will all help to
minimise the risks associated with lifting. Ensure at least two able bodied people are
available for lifting people or weights above a certain amount.

5. Fall from height Proper planning of proposed work with assessments and controls
of the risks is essential. If safer ways to carry out work can be implemented, then
always choose these. Deciding on the provision of alternative equipment (e.g.
scaffolding instead of a ladder) could mean the difference between a serious accident
and a successful, claim-free project.

6. Fire (Arson) Adequate security, such as getting an expert to check locks, shutters
and windows and maintaining electronic security systems (intruder alarms and
CCTV) are effective ways to minimise the risk of arson. Using enclosed and lockable
waste skips and bins will also help prevent risk.

7. Fire (Gas or Electrical) Ensuring that all systems are installed by suitably qualified
contractors (preferably NICEIC approved, or a member of the Gas Safe Register),
plus regular inspection and testing will minimise the risk of electrical or gas fires.
Establishing controls on the use of portable appliances is also important and
sometimes an insurance requirement.

8. Fire (Processes and Storage) To minimise risk of process and storage fires, ensure
appropriate cut outs or limiters/thermostats are installed where pre-heating is
required. Reviewing the layout of storage to reduce the likelihood of combustible
materials being kept near a heat source will also minimise risk. Fire detection and
protection systems are vitally important and where possible, segregate process
areas from storage areas.

9. Water damage Ensure areas with water pipes are kept above freezing point to
prevent frost damage and lag any external pipe work. Evaluating whether gutters,
downpipes and storm drains can cope with heavy rainfall and making the necessary
alterations will also minimise the risk of water damage. Drains and gutters will also
need to be inspected and cleaned out regularly. Finally, ensure any vulnerable stock
is stored at least 150mm above the floor.
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10. Burglary/Theft You can improve the physical security of your premises by
installing electronic security systems such as CCTV, intruder alarms and security
lights. Improving perimeter security, installing barriers and screens and using
security personnel and contractors will also minimise the risk of burglary or theft.