4.4.6 Hazard Identification- Risk Assessment and Control Of Risks

Purpose

[enter-your-company-name-here] has established, implemented and maintains documented procedures to ensure that:

• hazards are identified;
• risks are assessed;
• risks are controlled; and then
• the steps 1 to 3 above are evaluated.

Procedure

Hazard identification

The OH&S committee conducts regular audits [how often] of our premises to identify hazards. The audits extend to every area of the business, including offices, toilets, lunchrooms and carparks.  Identified hazards are recorded on a Risk Assessment form and, if there is an immediate danger to personnel or property, the hazard is removed or isolated.

Generally, the audits are conducted by persons who do not generally work in the area that is under inspection and who have received training in hazard identification.

Wherever a hazard exists, appropriate guards, barriers and warning signs shall be installed. These measures are regularly monitored to ensure that they are in place and are effective.

Appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), signs and training is provided where necessary.

Risk assessment

Risk assessment is a process of identifying and evaluating the effect of an actual or potential risk.  The source of the risk may be internal or external, physical or non-physical.  The OH&S committee conducts regular assessments [how often] of risks; most often determined during the hazard identification audit.  Actual or potential risks are recorded on a Risk Assessment form and, if there is an immediate danger to personnel or property, urgent action is taken to remove or reduce the risk. 

The OH&S committee evaluates the identified risks using the following tools;

Firstly, each risk is assigned one of the four categories – the ones that receive the highest priority are the ones in the top right corner. 

Then, a more detailed assessment is then made by rating the risk against a scale.

Likelihood rating

A – Frequent – Likely to occur frequently
B – Probable – Would occur but not frequently
C – Occasional – Could happen occasionally
D – Remote – Rare; not likely, but possible
E – Improbable – Highly unlikely but still possible

Severity/Consequence rating

A – Catastrophic – May result in death or loss of bodily functions
B – Critical – May cause severe injury, illness
C – Marginal – May cause injury or illness resulting in, for example, missing work
D – Negligible – May cause minor injury or illness

A rating table is then developed to assist in evaluating the risk.

Control of risks

When a risk has been identified and assessed, the OH&S committee, in consultation with management and staff, will develop methods to eliminate, reduce or control the risk. Where the risk is assessed to have the potential for financial loss or legal action, Top Management is informed and may, at their discretion, assume control of the risk management process.

Evaluation

The OH&S committee conducts regular [how often] evaluations of the hazard identification and risk management processes and will make or recommend changes as necessary.