Risk assessment is the process where we:

• Identify hazards.

• Analyze or evaluate the risk associated with that hazard.

• Determine appropriate ways to eliminate or control the hazard.

In practical terms, a risk assessment is a thorough look at our workplace to identify those things, situations, processes, etc that may cause harm, particularly to people. After identification is made, we evaluate how likely and severe the risk is, and then decide what measures should be in place to effectively prevent or control the harm from happening.

Why is risk assessment important?

Risk assessments are very important as they form an integral part of a good occupational health and safety management plan. They help to:

• Create awareness of hazards and risks.

• Identify who may be at risk (employees, cleaners, visitors, contractors, the public, etc).

• Determine if existing control measures are adequate or if more should be done.

• Prevent injuries or illnesses when done at the design or planning stage.

• Prioritize hazards and control measures.

What is the goal of risk assessment?

The aim of the risk assessment process is to remove a hazard or reduce the level of its risk by adding precautions or control measures, as necessary. By doing so, we have created a safer and healthier workplace.

How do we do a risk assessment?

Assessments should be done by a competent team of individuals who have a good working knowledge of the workplace. Staff should be involved always include supervisors and workers who work with the process under review as they are the most familiar with the operation.

In general, to do an assessment, we should:

• Identify hazards.    

• Evaluate the likelihood of an injury or illness occurring, and its severity.

• Consider normal operational situations as well as non-standard events such as shutdowns, power outages, emergencies, etc.

• Review all available heath and safety information about the hazard such as MSDSs, manufacturers’ literature, and information from reputable organizations, results of testing, etc.

• Identify actions necessary to eliminate or control the risk.

• Monitor and evaluate to confirm the risk is controlled.

• Keep any documentation or records that may be necessary. Documentation may include detailing the process used to assess the risk, outlining any evaluations, or detailing how conclusions were made.

When doing an assessment, we must take into account:

• the methods and procedures used in the processing, use, handling or storage of the substance, etc.

• the actual and the potential exposure of workers

• the measures and procedures necessary to control such exposure by means of engineering controls, work practices, and hygiene practices and facilities

It is important to remember that the assessment must take into account not only the current state of the workplace but any potential situations as well.

How are the hazards identified?

Overall, the goal is to find and record possible hazards that may be present in our workplace. As mentioned, it may help to work as a team and include both people familiar with the work area, as well as people who are not - this way we have both the "experienced" and "fresh" eye to conduct the inspection.

To be sure that all hazards are found:

• Look at all aspects of the work.

• Include non-routine activities such as maintenance, repair, or cleaning.

• Look at accident / incident / near-miss records.

• Include people who work "off site" either at home, on other job sites, drivers, with clients, etc.

• Look at the way the work is organized or "done" (include experience and age of people doing the work, systems being used, etc).

• Look at foreseeable unusual conditions (for example: possible impact on hazard control procedures that may be unavailable in an emergency situation, power outage, etc.).

• Examine risks to visitors or the public.

• Include an assessment of groups that may have a different level of risk such as young or inexperienced workers, persons with disabilities, or new or expectant mothers.

Why is it important to review and monitor assessment?

It is important to know if your risk assessment was complete and accurate. It is also essential to be sure that changes in the workplace have not introduced new hazards or changed hazards that were once ranked as lower priority to a higher priority.

It is good practice to review assessment on a regular basis to be sure that nothing has changed and that control methods are effective. Triggers for a review can also include:

• the start of a new project,

• a change in the work process or flow,

• a change or addition to tools, equipment, machinery (including locations or the way they are used),

• new employees,

• moving to a new building or work area,

• introduction of new chemicals or substances,

• when new information becomes available about a current product.

What documentation should be done for a risk assessment?

Keeping records of assessment and any control actions taken is very important. Records should show that we:

• conducted a good hazard review,

• determined the risks of those hazards,

• implemented control measures suitable for the risk,

• reviewed and monitored all hazards in the workplace.