HSE - Safety Goodwe: Risk Management

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Chapter : Risk Management

Risk Assessment: Assessing and Mitigating

(Risks Initial, Residual, and Real Time Considerations in Occupational Health Safety)

Risk Assessment:

Risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards and evaluating any associated risks within a workplace, then implementing reasonable control measures to remove or reduce them.

Risk Assessment Types:

Qualitative risk assessment.
Quantitative risk assessment.
Generic risk assessment.
Site-specific risk assessment.
Dynamic risk assessment.

Risk Assessment Steps:

Identify the hazards.
Decide who might be harmed and how.
Evaluate the risk and decide precautions.
Record findings and implement.
Review and update the risk assessment.

Risk Matrix:

Risk matrix is a matrix that is used during risk assessment to define the level of risk by considering the cateagory of probability or likelihood against the category of consequence severity.

Risk Rating:

Risk rating is assessing the risks involved in the daily activities and classifying them (low, medium, high) based on the impact.

Understanding Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is a cornerstone of workplace safety and management. This illustration breaks it down simply and effectively:

Extreme Risk: Entering a lion's cage to feed it directly - dangerous and unacceptable.
Moderate Risk: Using protective gear while inside - reduces severity but remains risky.
Tolerable Risk: Feeding through a specially designed opening - minimal risk but still requires caution.
Zero Risk: Feeding in a fully controlled setup - no exposure, ensuring complete safety.

Note: Control measures reduce risk significantly. As a professionals, we must identify hazards, assess risks, and implement the right controls to protect lives and ensure zero harm in our workplaces.

Assessing and Mitigating Risks Initial, Residual, and Real Time Considerations in Occupational Health Safety
It's important to note that the specific definitions and examples may vary based on the context and industry. The table below provides a general understanding Of each term in the context Of occupational health and safety.
Term Definition		Examples	Detailed Explanation
Qualitative Risk	Describes risks using qualitative terms or categories	High, medium, low	Qualitative risk assessment categorizes risks based on their severity or likelihood without assigning specific numerical values. It provides a general understanding of the risk level using descriptive terms. For example, risks can be classified as high, medium, or low based on the potential harm or consequences involved.
Quantitative Risk	Measures risks using quantitative data and numerical values	Probability of an incident occurring	Quantitative risk assessment involves assigning numerical values to risks based on factors such as probability, severity, and exposure. It provides a more precise and numerical representation of the risk level. For example, the probability of an incident occurring can be uantified as a ercentage or a frequency over a specific time eriod.
Significant Risk	A risk that has the potential for serious harm or consequences	Working with hazardous chemicals	A significant risk refers to a risk that has the potential for severe harm, injury, or significant consequences. These risks often involve working with hazardous substances, operating heavy machinery, working at heights, or other high-risk activities. Special precautions and control measures are necessa to miti ate these risks.
Insignificant Risk	A risk that poses minimal harm or consequences	Using a computer in an office environment	An insignificant risk refers to a risk that poses minimal harm or consequences. These risks are typically associated with routine office tasks or low-risk activities. While precautions should still be taken, the potential harm or consequences are minimal compared to higher-risk activities.
Actual Risk	The level of risk that exists based on current conditions	Operating heavy machinery without training	Actual risk refers to the level Of risk that exists based on current conditions, taking into account the specific tasks, hazards, and control measures in place. It considers both the inherent risks associated with an activity and the effectiveness of implemented control measures.
Initial Risk	The level of risk before implementing any control measures	Working at heights without fall protection	Initial risk represents the level of risk before implementing any control measures. It reflects the inherent risks associated with a task or activity without considering any safety precautions or mitigation strategies. It helps in identifying the baseline risk level and the need for im lementin control measures.
Residual Risk	The levelof risk that remains after implementing controls	Using fall protection equipment	Residual risk refers to the level of risk that remains after implementing control measures or mitigation strategies. It represents the remaining risk despite the implementation of safety precautions. The goal is to minimize the residual risk to an acceptable level through the implementation of effective control measures.

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