RISK ASSESSMENTRISK ASSESSMENT

DR. ALAN LE SERVEDR. ALAN LE SERVE

LEAD CONSULTANT LEAD CONSULTANT LEAD CONSULTANT LEAD CONSULTANT

COSHECOSHE

WHAT IS RISK ASSESSMENT?WHAT IS RISK ASSESSMENT?

�� A risk assessment is simply a careful A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of your workplace to see examination of your workplace to see what could cause harm to workers.what could cause harm to workers.

You then weigh up whether you have You then weigh up whether you have �� You then weigh up whether you have You then weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions to prevent any taken enough precautions to prevent any harm coming to workers.harm coming to workers.

�� If not, what other precautions should you If not, what other precautions should you take?take?

M1

Slide 2

M1 added: 'place'Michael, 07/11/2011

WHAT IS THE AIM OF A RISK ASSESSMENT?WHAT IS THE AIM OF A RISK ASSESSMENT?

�� The aim of any risk assessment is to make The aim of any risk assessment is to make sure that no one gets injured at work or sure that no one gets injured at work or becomes ill because of the conditions at becomes ill because of the conditions at work.work.

�� Accidents and ill health at work can ruin Accidents and ill health at work can ruin �� Accidents and ill health at work can ruin Accidents and ill health at work can ruin lives and affect your business too if output lives and affect your business too if output is lost.is lost.

�� In some countries you are legally required In some countries you are legally required to assess the risks in your workplace. to assess the risks in your workplace.

RISK ASSESSMENT RISK ASSESSMENT –– TWO QUESTIONSTWO QUESTIONS

TheThe mostmost importantimportant thingsthings youyou havehave totodecidedecide onon areare::--

1.1. IsIs thethe hazardhazard significant?significant?1.1. IsIs thethe hazardhazard significant?significant?

22 HaveHave youyou takentaken sufficientsufficient precautionsprecautions sosothatthat thethe riskrisk toto workersworkers isis low?low?

M2

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M2 changed 'small' to 'low'Michael, 07/11/2011

DEFINITIONSDEFINITIONS

�� HAZARD HAZARD –– means anything that can means anything that can cause harm to workers.cause harm to workers.

�� RISK RISK –– is the chance, high or low, that is the chance, high or low, that �� RISK RISK –– is the chance, high or low, that is the chance, high or low, that somebody will be harmed by the hazard.somebody will be harmed by the hazard.

WHY DO WE NEED TO BOTHER?WHY DO WE NEED TO BOTHER?

• ILO estimates more than 2.3 million fatalities every yeardue to occupational accidents and work-related diseases.

• It is also estimated that more than 337 million workerssustain injuries and there are over 160 million cases ofwork-related diseases.

• Many accidents at work go unreported and mostoccupational diseases go undiagnosed, (SMEs and theoccupational diseases go undiagnosed, (SMEs and theinformal sector) – there is gross under-reporting.

• It is estimated to cost countries 4% of GDP.

• The cost to workers and their families is incalculable!

SOME HAZARDS ARE OBVIOUSSOME HAZARDS ARE OBVIOUS

WORKERS UNLOADING CEMENT FROM THE HOLD OF A SHIP

THE LOAD IS HEAVIER THAN THE WORKER

THE HOLD OF A SHIPTHE WORKER

POOR HOUSEKEEPING ON BUILDING SITES AND INADEQUATE FOOTWEAR =INJURY AND POSSIBLE INFECTION.

UNGUARDED MACHINES ARE OBVIOUS

UNGUARDED MACHINES, DUST, WRONG FOOTWEAR, NO PPE

THE RESULTS ARE ALSO OBVIOUS AS SHOWN HERETHE RESULTS ARE ALSO OBVIOUS AS SHOWN HERE

NO GUARDSEWING NEEDLE IN THE FINGER

WORKER MIXING PESTICIDE WITHOUT PPE

THESE YOUNG WORKERS IN A BRAKE LINING FACTORY ARE USING ASBESTOS

SOME HAZARDS ARE NOT SO OBVIOUS SOME HAZARDS ARE NOT SO OBVIOUS –– SUCH AS SUCH AS WITH THESE GARMENT WORKERS?WITH THESE GARMENT WORKERS?

ALL LOOKS OK AT FIRST, BUT THERE IS DUST, LIGHTING AND ERGONOMIC

HAZARDS, AND UNGUARDED MACHINES

THE NEXT SLIDE SHOWS SOME WOMEN WORKERS THE NEXT SLIDE SHOWS SOME WOMEN WORKERS

DETERMINE WHO IS MOST AT RISK ?DETERMINE WHO IS MOST AT RISK ?

�� The worker who is spot cleaning in a garment factory?The worker who is spot cleaning in a garment factory?

�� The worker sorting coal? The worker sorting coal?

�� The textile worker? The textile worker?

�� The wood worker?The wood worker?

�� The factory worker?The factory worker?

�� Or the weaver?Or the weaver?

GARMENT WORKERGARMENT WORKER

SPOT CLEANING - SHE IS SPRAYING TRICHLOROETHYLENEWITH NO PPE. HER CLOTHES ARE

LACKS PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

COAL WORKER

NO PPE AND COTTON WOOL IN EAR AS NOISE LEVELS > 85dBA.

TEXTILE WORKER

WITH NO PPE. HER CLOTHES ARE SOAKED AND SHE IS PREGNANT.

85dBA.

NO GUARD.NO LOWER BACK SUPPORT.

WEAVERWOOD WORKER FACTORY WORKER

FOR THESE WELDERSFOR THESE WELDERSWHAT ARE THE MAIN HAZARDS WHAT ARE THE MAIN HAZARDS

AND WHO IS MOST AT RISK?AND WHO IS MOST AT RISK?

WHO’SWHO’S ROLE IS IT TO IMPROVE OSH?ROLE IS IT TO IMPROVE OSH?

�� The inspectorate from the The inspectorate from the Ministry/Department of Labour Ministry/Department of Labour

�� ManagementManagement

�� WorkersWorkers

�� In reality everyone has a role to play but, it In reality everyone has a role to play but, it must be stressed that it is the employers’ must be stressed that it is the employers’ responsibility to provide a safe and healthy responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace.workplace.

WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN THE CARIBBEAN?WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN THE CARIBBEAN?

• How many workplace accidents are there?

•How many industrial diseases are recorded? In many countries, most accidents and diseases at work go unrecorded. Some reasons are:

- obsolete legislation covering few workers;- obsolete legislation covering few workers;

- lack of awareness by employers and workers;

- too few inspectors; and

-lack of OSH training and equipment.

IN TRUTH, NO ONE KNOWS THE TRUE PICTURE.

AT WORK YOU SHOULD BE:AT WORK YOU SHOULD BE:

Physically fitHealthy

Socially well

Mentally well

PROMOTION PREVENTION PROTECTION

REMEMBER – A HEALTHY AND SAFE WORKER IS A MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKER!

WHAT TYPE OF HAZARDS ARE FOUND AT WORK?WHAT TYPE OF HAZARDS ARE FOUND AT WORK?

Mechanical (machines, layout,

housekeeping, etc)Physical (noise, vibration, light, temperature, radiation, etc)

Ergonomic

Chemical (dusts, fumes, vapours, etc)

Biological (bacteria, viruses, etc)

Ergonomic

(Sitting, standing, lifting, etc.)

Psycho-social (stress, etc)

HOW TO ASSESS THE RISKS IN YOUR HOW TO ASSESS THE RISKS IN YOUR WORKPLACEWORKPLACE

There are five steps:There are five steps:

1.1. Look for hazards. Look for hazards.

2.2. Decide who might be harmed and how.Decide who might be harmed and how.

3.3. Evaluate the risks and decide whether Evaluate the risks and decide whether 3.3. Evaluate the risks and decide whether Evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing precautions are adequate or the existing precautions are adequate or whether more should be done.whether more should be done.

4.4. Record your findings.Record your findings.

5.5. Review how successful the assessment is Review how successful the assessment is and revise if necessary.and revise if necessary.

STEP 1 STEP 1 –– LOOK FOR HAZARDSLOOK FOR HAZARDS

�� Walk around the workplace and see what Walk around the workplace and see what are the potential dangers that can harm are the potential dangers that can harm workers.workers.

�� Ignore the trivial and concentrate on the Ignore the trivial and concentrate on the most serious hazards which could result in most serious hazards which could result in major injury or affect several workers.major injury or affect several workers.major injury or affect several workers.major injury or affect several workers.

�� It is good if managers and workers’ It is good if managers and workers’ representatives do this together representatives do this together –– ask ask workers what they think and if they have workers what they think and if they have noted any problems.noted any problems.

�� Obtain manufacturers’ instructions and Obtain manufacturers’ instructions and MSDSs if possible.MSDSs if possible.

STEP 2 STEP 2 –– DECIDE WHO MIGHT BE DECIDE WHO MIGHT BE HARMED AND HOWHARMED AND HOW

�� Young workers, new workers/trainees, Young workers, new workers/trainees, expectant mothers, etc. are usually most expectant mothers, etc. are usually most at risk.at risk.

�� Cleaners, visitors, maintenance workers Cleaners, visitors, maintenance workers who are not in the workplace all the time. who are not in the workplace all the time.

�� Members of the public.Members of the public.

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M3 Changed: 'at risk most' to 'most at risk'Michael, 07/11/2011

STEP 3 STEP 3 -- EVALUATE THE RISKSEVALUATE THE RISKS

�� Consider each hazard in turn and decide Consider each hazard in turn and decide on the significant ones.on the significant ones.

�� For each hazard, you then have to decide For each hazard, you then have to decide whether the risk is whether the risk is high, medium high, medium or or low.low.whether the risk is whether the risk is high, medium high, medium or or low.low.

�� Consider if you can get rid of the hazard Consider if you can get rid of the hazard altogether or eliminate it totally.altogether or eliminate it totally.

�� If you cannot eliminate the hazard totally, If you cannot eliminate the hazard totally, what is the best way to control the risk so what is the best way to control the risk so that workers would not be harmed.that workers would not be harmed.

SIMPLE RISK ESTIMATIONSIMPLE RISK ESTIMATION

The effect of a hazard may be rated:The effect of a hazard may be rated:

�� 3 3 MajorMajor –– death or major injury;death or major injury;

�� 2 2 Serious Serious –– injuries cause worker to be off injuries cause worker to be off work for 3+ days; andwork for 3+ days; and

�� 1 1 SlightSlight –– all other injuries all other injuries –– not serious. not serious. Little time off work.Little time off work.

�� The likelihood of harm may be rated:The likelihood of harm may be rated:

�� 3 3 HighHigh –– where it is certain or near certain where it is certain or near certain that harm will occur;that harm will occur;

�� 2 2 Medium Medium –– where harm will occur where harm will occur frequently; andfrequently; and

�� 1 1 Low Low –– where harm will seldom occur.where harm will seldom occur.

RISK = HAZARD X LIKELIHOOD OFRISK = HAZARD X LIKELIHOOD OF�� RISK = HAZARD X LIKELIHOOD OFRISK = HAZARD X LIKELIHOOD OF

SEVERITY OCCURENCE SEVERITY OCCURENCE

Where more workers are involved, multiply Where more workers are involved, multiply by that number. The higher the number by that number. The higher the number the greater the risk.the greater the risk.

CONTROLLING RISKSCONTROLLING RISKSIf you cannot completely eliminate the risk or If you cannot completely eliminate the risk or put in a safer substitute, then:put in a safer substitute, then:

�� try to control the hazard at source such as try to control the hazard at source such as with machine guards. If not, try to place with machine guards. If not, try to place barriers along the route to prevent the barriers along the route to prevent the hazard reaching the worker. These are hazard reaching the worker. These are types of types of engineering controls;engineering controls;types of types of engineering controls;engineering controls;

�� organize work to reduce exposure to the organize work to reduce exposure to the hazard. These are known as hazard. These are known as administrative administrative controls; controls;

�� issue personal protective equipment; andissue personal protective equipment; and

�� provide proper washing and first aid provide proper washing and first aid facilities. facilities.

METHODS OF CONTROLMETHODS OF CONTROL

SOURCESOURCE WORKERWORKER

PATHPATH

The most effective way of controlling hazards The most effective way of controlling hazards is at source. However, PPE is often selected is at source. However, PPE is often selected as it is the cheapest alternative.as it is the cheapest alternative.

IF YOU DO USE PPEIF YOU DO USE PPE

�� make sure it is the best available;make sure it is the best available;

�� make sure that it is the correct PPE for the make sure that it is the correct PPE for the hazard; hazard; hazard; hazard;

�� make sure that the PPE is well make sure that the PPE is well maintained; and maintained; and

�� make sure workers know how to use it make sure workers know how to use it correctly.correctly.

STEP 4 STEP 4 –– RECORD YOUR FINDINGSRECORD YOUR FINDINGS

�� It is very important to record your It is very important to record your findings. In that way you know what has findings. In that way you know what has been done or what needs to be done!been done or what needs to be done!

�� For example: For example: Machine guarding Machine guarding –– all all guards found to be secure and in good guards found to be secure and in good guards found to be secure and in good guards found to be secure and in good condition condition -- none are missing,none are missing, oror

Fume from welding Fume from welding –– local exhaust local exhaust ventilation provided and regularly ventilation provided and regularly checked.checked.

�� Use a checklist (e.g. machine guarding).Use a checklist (e.g. machine guarding).

Do workers know how to switch off the machine in case of emergency? Are ON/OFF and cut-off emergency switches clearly marked?

Are all workers trained to use the machines safely prior to operation?

Are robust, fixed guards attached to dangerous moving parts of machines and power transmission equipment?

Are these machine guards and other protective devices regularly checked and maintained by a qualified person?

Have any of the machine guards been removed or are missing?

Is the area around the machine clean, tidy and free from obstruction?

Are supervisors informed if machines are not working properly?

Do any workers have dangling chains, loose clothing, gloves, rings or long hair which could get caught in moving parts of machines?

Are workers wearing appropriate PPE when working with such machines?

STEP 5 STEP 5 –– REVIEW AND REVISEREVIEW AND REVISE

�� In all workplaces, changes are made over In all workplaces, changes are made over time, for example new machinery or work time, for example new machinery or work processes are introduced. These could processes are introduced. These could lead to new hazards.lead to new hazards.

�� Therefore it is essential to regularly review Therefore it is essential to regularly review and revise your risk assessments. and revise your risk assessments.

HERE IS A RISK ASSESSMENT FLOW HERE IS A RISK ASSESSMENT FLOW CHART FOR A FIRE HAZARD. CHART FOR A FIRE HAZARD.