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Understanding Occupational Health Risk Assessment
Occupational health and safety (OSH) risk assessment is a crucial process for identifying, evaluating, and controlling risks in the workplace to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.¹ It forms part of occupational health assessment and is a cornerstone of effective OSH management systems, ensuring workplace safety and health for workers.
Steps in Occupational Health Risk Assessment
The OSH risk assessment process typically involves the following steps:
- Risk Identification: Identify potential risks in the workplace, considering physical, ergonomic, biological, and psychosocial hazards.
- Risk Evaluation: Assess the likelihood and severity of harm that each risk poses to workers.
- Risk Control: Implement appropriate control measures to eliminate or minimise the risk associated with each hazard.
- Monitoring and Review: Regularly monitor the effectiveness of control measures and review the risk assessment periodically to ensure its accuracy and relevance.
Types of Occupational Health Risk Assessment Tools
Various tools and techniques can be used to conduct OSH risk assessments,² including:
- Checklists: Structured checklists provide a systematic approach to identifying hazards and evaluating risks.
- Observation: Observing workers and their work environment can reveal potential hazards and unsafe practices.
- Interviews and Surveys: Consultations with workers can provide valuable insights into hazards and risk perceptions.
- Specialist Assessments: For complex hazards, specialist assessments, such as noise level measurements or ergonomic evaluations, may be necessary.
Occupational Health Risk Assessment Example
In a manufacturing setting, a risk assessment might identify noise from machinery as a hazard. Evaluating the noise level and potential hearing damage risk would lead to control measures such as providing hearing protection, implementing noise reduction measures, or limiting exposure time.
Occupational Health Risk Assessment Management
OSH risk assessment is not a standalone process; it should be integrated into overall OSH management.³ This involves:
- Risk Assessment Policy: Establishing a clear policy outlining the purpose, scope, and responsibilities for risk assessments.
- Training and Competency: Ensuring those conducting risk assessments have the necessary training and competency.
- Communication and Consultation: Effectively communicating risk assessment findings and involving workers in the process.
- Documentation and Record-keeping: Maintaining records of risk assessments for future reference and auditing.
Benefits of Occupational Health Risk Assessment
OSH risk assessment offers numerous benefits, including:
- Preventive Measures: Identifying and controlling hazards upfront prevents work-related injuries and illnesses.
- Legal Compliance: Ensuring compliance with OSH regulations and reducing legal risks.
- Cost Savings: Preventing injuries and illnesses reduces direct costs (compensation, medical expenses) and indirect costs (productivity loss, absenteeism).
- Improved Worker Health and Well-being: A safer and healthier work environment promotes worker well-being and morale.
- Enhanced Organisational Reputation: A commitment to OSH demonstrates an organisation’s care for its employees and enhances its reputation.
Conclusion
Occupational health and safety risk assessment is essential for safeguarding workers’ health and well-being while contributing to organisational success. By systematically identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards in the workplace, organisations can prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, promote a healthy work environment, and reap the benefits of a safe and productive workforce.
Yes, worker involvement is crucial. Their firsthand knowledge and experience can help identify hazards and develop effective control measures.
Engineering controls (machine guards, ventilation systems), administrative controls (work procedures, safe work practices), personal protective equipment (PPE).
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to conduct risk assessments to identify and control hazards.
Preventing injuries and illnesses reduces associated costs like compensation, medical expenses, and productivity losses.
A safe and healthy work environment shows employees that their well-being is valued, leading to improved morale and increased job satisfaction.
Occupational health risk assessments specifically focus on hazards that can harm workers’ health, like noise, chemicals, or stress, while general risk assessments encompass all types of hazards, including physical and environmental.
Employers are ultimately responsible for ensuring risk assessments are conducted, though they may delegate the task to qualified safety professionals or external consultants.
The frequency depends on the nature of the work and the associated hazards. It’s recommended to review assessments regularly, at least annually, or whenever significant changes occur in the workplace or work processes.
Physical hazards (slips, trips, falls, machinery), ergonomic hazards (awkward postures, repetitive movements), biological hazards (viruses, bacteria), chemical hazards (toxic substances), psychosocial hazards (stress, burnout).
Hazard identification checklists specific to your industry, JSA (Job Safety Analysis) forms, walkthroughs and observations, worker interviews and surveys, risk matrices.
References
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Managing risks and risk assessment at work [online] Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/index.htm [Accessed 7 December 2023].
- British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) – Exposure Assessment Tools [online] Available at: https://www.bohs.org/information-guidance/technical-guidance/ [Accessed 7 December 2023].
- Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) – Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing [online] Available at: https://iosh.com/employees/awareness-courses/managing-occupational-health-and-wellbeing/ [Accessed 7 December 2023].
Article fact-checked and approved by Dr. Amun Kalia and Dr Deryk Waller