Safety Blog

The Risk Assessment Process determines the likelihood of an injury or illness from a particular hazard and the severity and type of injury should an accident occur. The risk posed by a hazard is related to the severity of an incident and/or the frequency and duration of exposure to the hazard. Decide who might be at risk from the hazard such as workers, subcontractors or visitors and the factors contributing to the risk, what injuries or impact on health and welfare could result, and how likely is this to occur. To assess the risks from a particular hazard you should...

Hazard identification is a systematic approach to identifying and recording all apparent and potential hazards in the workplace. A hazard comprises any activity or item that has the potential to cause injury, illness or damage. Hazards may be present in the workplace environment, equipment, substances and work systems in the form of: Physical hazards such as dangerous or poorly maintained machinery, excessive noise, electricity and vehicles; Ergonomic hazards such as prolonged stooping or crouching, awkward postures or movement, or repetitive movements; and Chemical hazards such as poisonous liquids, particles, vapours or fumes; Psychological hazards such as fatigue, stress, bullying or...

When assessing the risk of a particular hazard remember: The rating you use indicates the importance of the action required to minimise the Risk posed by the Hazard; The more Hazards you identify the greater the overall Risk on the site; Overall Risk increases as the number of people exposed to a Hazard increases; The more serious the potential impact to a person’s health from a Hazard the greater the Risk; and The frequency of exposure to a Hazard increases the Risk. Risk assessments need to be reviewed: When a hazard is identified; When a risk assessment is no longer...

A hazard is something that has the potential to cause injury, illness or damage where as a risk is the likelihood or probability that a hazard will cause an injury, illness or damage. For example, a substance can present a major hazard, but the risk of harm or damage to the health of a worker can be low if the substance is stored or applied correctly, correct PPE is being used, if it is present in small amounts and being used by an experienced specialist, etc. A common work practice may present a minor health or environmental hazard if it...

The table below describes the best methods of risk control from most effective to least effective: