Step 3 of 4•11 minutes read
Tools for Risk Assessment and Hazard Management
A Four-Step Approach to Risk Assessment
The use of a four-step approach to risk assessment can serve as a fundamental framework for managing potential risks by systematically addressing them. This structured approach can ensure that all of the identified hazards are fully explored for risks and severity as well as trying to determine potential control measures to reduce these factors.
This video will introduce and explain the concept of a four-step approach to risk assessment.
A Risk Control Plan
Another way of contemplating the risk assessment process is by the use of a risk control plan. A typical plan consists of seven steps, forming a procedure to lower the overall risk of operations.
Establish Effective Communication
Through communication, information, and consultations, the possibility of a safe and productive workplace increases. The personnel needs to be sure of being taken seriously when bringing to light potential hazards or when information is being shared.
Allocate Responsibilities
It is important to know who is responsible for the Risk Control Plan and ensure that everyone is aware of it.
Decide on a Work Plan
Plan how the work will be performed. It could involve the whole workplace, a work area, or just hazard by hazard. Although the most important part of the work plan is to identify what kind of hazards are involved and to make sure that they are being documented, you also need to document the number of previous incidents reported in each area and the level of the risks.
Identify Hazards
A hazard is something with the potential to cause injury, illness, or disease. Make sure that the personnel are involved in identifying hazards and that the hazards are documented in the risk control plan.
Assess Risks
As mentioned earlier in this course, the risk is a product of the likelihood of an incident, and the seriousness of its consequences. By assessing the risks, one can ensure that they are controlled effectively and that it is easier to prioritise.
Control the Risks
First, try to eliminate the risks. Second, try to reduce the risk as much as possible by substitution or other means. Finally, try to implement procedures that lower the risks, such as using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Review of the Risk Control Plan
Making a Risk Control Plan is a continuous procedure. The Plan needs to be regularly reviewed so you and your crew must ensure that it is updated, in line with your company's work procedures, and also meets the standards.
Informal Risk Assessment - The Take Five Program
While all formal tasks require a formal risk assessment, during your daily work onboard, you should always be thinking in terms of assessing risk. One way to do this is to use the Take Five Program.
The Take Five program is a five-step procedure you can follow when you perform a task on your own, in a group, or with your co-workers and supervisor.
Before proceeding with a task, ask yourself a series of questions, such as "Have I done this before?" or "Have the conditions or location changed?"
Visualise the task you are planning to do and ask yourself questions such as "What can go wrong?" and "Can I get hurt?".
Take a look around your work area and identify any significant hazards.
Take appropriate precautions to protect yourself from the hazards you identify. Use the proper tools, equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, and assistance you need to finish the task safely.
Proceed with caution when you have completed steps 1 through 4.