WHAT IS THE RISK ASSESSMENT AND HOW TO CONDUCT?

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Risk Assessment in OHSMS (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) is a systematic process of identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and determining appropriate ways to eliminate or control those risks to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.

It is a core element of any OHSMS (such as ISO 45001:2018), ensuring that an organization proactively manages health and safety risks.

📌 Definition of Risk Assessment (in OHSMS context)

Risk Assessment is the process of evaluating the potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking. It includes:

  • Identifying hazards
  • Analyzing or evaluating the risk associated with that hazard
  • Determining appropriate ways to eliminate or control the hazard

✅ Steps to Conduct Risk Assessment (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify Hazards

  • What to do: Find all potential sources of harm in the workplace.
  • How:
    • Site inspections
    • Reviewing past incidents/accidents
    • Talking to workers
    • Examining equipment and processes

📌 Examples: Electric shock, fire, falls, chemical exposure, working at height, etc.

2. Determine Who Might Be Harmed and How

  • Who is at risk: Workers, contractors, visitors, public.
  • How: Determine the type of injury or harm possible (e.g., electric shock, burns, musculoskeletal injuries).

3. Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Controls

  • Evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm.
  • Use a Risk Matrix (e.g., Low / Medium / High)
  • Decide controls using the hierarchy of control:
    1. Eliminate the hazard
    2. Substitute with less dangerous option
    3. Engineering controls
    4. Administrative controls
    5. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

📌 Example: If there is a risk of electric shock — isolate the equipment, lock-out/tag-out procedures, and provide PPE.

4. Record the Findings

  • Document:
    • The hazard
    • The people at risk
    • The level of risk
    • The control measures implemented
  • Maintain clear, up-to-date records (especially for legal compliance and audits).

5. Implement Control Measures

  • Put the selected control measures into action.
  • Communicate and train employees.
  • Ensure all safety systems and procedures are working.

6. Monitor and Review the Assessment

  • Review periodically, especially when:
    • There is a change in process or equipment
    • After an accident or near miss
    • New hazards are identified

📌 Example Table Format (Simplified Risk Assessment)

Hazard Who at Risk Risk Level Controls in Place Further Action Needed
Electric shock Electricians High Lockout/Tagout, PPE Install ELCBs
Falling objects Site workers Medium Hard hats, exclusion zones Safety net installation

🔁 Integration with OHSMS (e.g., ISO 45001)

  • Risk assessment supports hazard identification and operational planning.
  • It ensures that the context of the organization, interested parties, and compliance obligations are considered.
  • It is aligned with the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle.

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