Effective management of workplace hazards is crucial for ensuring a safe work environment. This series explores a simple yet comprehensive five-step risk management process to identify, assess, and control workplace hazards.
Step 1: Hazard Identification
A hazard is anything that can potentially cause harm to health and safety. These hazards may stem from:
- Unsafe work environments
- Incorrect use of equipment
- Poor work design
- Inadequate procedures
- Human error
Simple hazards should be corrected immediately, and proactive measures like workplace inspections and consultations help identify risks before they lead to incidents.
Step 2: Risk Assessment
Risk assessment evaluates the likelihood and severity of harm caused by identified hazards. Key factors include:
- Likelihood: How likely is the hazard to cause harm?
- Severity: What would be the impact if harm occurs?
A risk matrix is used to prioritise hazards, focusing resources where risks are most significant. Factors like work conditions, exposure frequency, and employee experience are considered.
Step 3: Risk Elimination and Control (Hierarchy of Control)
Once a risk assessment has been completed, the hazard must be controlled using the Hierarchy of Control.
Employers must follow this hierarchy, prioritising the most effective control measures whenever possible.
Elimination
Removing the hazard at the source. E.g. turning off the gas at equipment when not in use eliminates a flame hazard and potential risk of a gas explosion or fire.
Substitution
Replacing one hazard with a less hazardous one. E.g. replacing a toxic cleaning chemical with a non-toxic cleaning chemical.
Isolation
Introducing a barrier or distance between the person and the hazard. E.g. roping off the floor area when it is being cleaned to prevent others from slipping on the floor.
Engineering
Providing mechanical aids to assist with manual handling issues such as stretching to reach items. E.G. use of a ladder to place or retrieve items from high shelves.
Administrative
Examples include policies, procedures, safety signs, chemical safety data sheets (SDS), training and job rotation (ensuring that people at work undertake their jobs safely and, where required, the same person does not do the same job all the time to avoid repetitive movements that may cause an injury).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment does not remove the hazard, it simply protects the person from the hazard. PPE can be gloves, masks, safety eyewear, safety footwear, sunscreen and hats, high visibility vests. E.g. wearing gloves when using cleaning products to prevent skin irritation.
The aim of the hierarchy of control is to reduce the hazard/s associated risk so far as reasonably practicable by moving through the hierarchy from the most effective control measures to the least effective control measures. The best result in reducing the effects of the hazard is gained when a combination of control measures is used.
Step 4: Maintenance of Control Measures
Once appropriate control measures are identified, they must be implemented in a timely and efficient manner. This may include providing training, installing equipment, or redesigning work processes. Ongoing monitoring is crucial to ensure these controls remain effective.
After controls are implemented, regular maintenance is crucial. Control measures must be:
- Monitored to ensure ongoing effectiveness
- Maintained through routine inspections
- Adjusted to meet changing conditions or new hazards
This ongoing upkeep ensures that the safety measures in place continue to protect employees over time.
Step 5: Review and Continuous Improvement
Workplaces evolve, and so do hazards. A regular review process ensures that hazard controls remain relevant. This involves:
- Evaluating the effectiveness of existing controls
- Updating controls based on new risks, changes in processes, or employee feedback
- Continuing employee training to stay current with safe practices
Reviews should be scheduled routinely and after any significant workplace changes or incidents.
Support and Resources
To help ensure compliance, organisations can access National and State WHS Standards and Codes of Practice for specific guidance on managing risks and hazards.
For more information on workplace health and safety, or for help with your organisation’s risk management, please contact us.