Module 03

Risk Management

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Definitions
Hazard
Something with the potential to cause harm.

Risk
The likelihood that the harm
will be realised.
When assessing risks the
potential severity of the
consequences is also
considered.
CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Laws requiring risk

assessment

Section 2(1) HASAWA 1974

The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1998

The Display Screen Equipment

(Health and Safety) Regulations
1992

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

The Control of Substances Hazardous to

Health Regulations (COSHH) 1999

The Construction (Health Safety and Welfare)

Regulations 1996

5 Steps to Risk Assessment

Look for the Hazards

Decide who might be harmed and in
what circumstances

Evaluate the risks, and the

adequacy
of existing controls

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Record the significant findings

Review the assessment

Step 1 - Identify the hazards

A Hazard is something with the potential
to cause harm
Physical
Chemical
Biological
Ergonomic
Psychological

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Hazard Identification
Techniques

Inspections
HAZOP
Job Safety Analysis
Hazard Books and Contact Schemes
Fault Tree Analysis

T h e c a u s e o f t h e in ju ry

A m a n s lip s a n d s t r ik e s
h is h e a d o n t h e flo o r

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

H e w a s h u r r y in g

T h e r e w a s o il o n
t h e f lo o r

A1

B1

A2

A3

B2

B3

T h e d ir e c t c a u s e s
o f t h e a c c id e n t
T h e lig h t in g w a s p o o r h e d i d n o t s e e t h e o il
C1

C2

C3

U n d e rly in g o r in d ir e c t c a u s e s

Step 2 - Decide who might be

harmed & how?

Consider groups who may be

especially at risk

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

the disabled, pregnant workers,

children and young workers

Step 3 - Evaluate the risks

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Consider the likelihood and severity

Are legal standards met and best

practice followed?

Are existing controls adequate?

Is there anything else that can be done
to make it safer (SFAIRP)?

Risk Assessment Matrix

Severity of Outcome

Likelihood
of Harm

Low
(1)
Medium
(2)
High
(3)

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Slight

Serious

Major

(1)

(2)

(3)

Hierarchy of Control

Eliminate

PPE

Reduce

Discipline

Isolate
Control

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Safe

Safe

Place

Person

General Principles of Prevention

avoiding risks;
evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided;
combating the risks at source;
adapting the work to the individual
adapting to technical progress;
replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or less
dangerous;
developing a coherent prevention policy, relating to the
working environment;
giving collective protective measures priority over
individual protective measures;
giving appropriate instructions to employees.

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Step 4 - Record significant

findings

You must decide what the significant

findings are, they may include;
the significant hazards
the existing control measures
identification of workers affected
reference to other guidance

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Step 5 - Review the

assessment
The assessment must be reviewed when:
You believe it is no longer valid
There has been a significant change in the matters

to which it relates.
the workplace
new work rates
new process or plant
competency of individuals
new legal requirements
CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Nilsson v. Redditch Borough Council (1994) 12 CL 467, CA

A safe system of work

A safe system of work is a formal

procedure which results from a
systematic examination of the task in
order to identify all the hazards. It defines
safe methods to ensure that hazards are
eliminated or risks minimised.

Nothing is absolutely safe

Nilsson v. Redditch Borough Council

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Develop a safe system of work

Analyse the task
MEEP

Materials
Equipment and Plant
Environment
People

Implement the system

Monitor the system

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Materials,Equipment,
Environment and People
Environment
Temperature,Lighting,
Noise,Ventilation etc.
People
Systems
Training
Skills
Motivation
etc.

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Materials
Use
Handling
Storage
Transportation
Disposal etc.

Equipment
Design
Ergonomics
Maintenance
Inspections
etc.

Permit to Work - Situations

High risk activities including
Confined
Live

space entry

working

Hot/Cold

work

Hazardous

areas

Maintenance
Pressurised

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

operations

systems

Just remember
- the failure to
manage
permits has
cost lots of
lives in the past
- Piper Alpha,
Barry long Sea
Outfall,
Carsington...

Format of a Permit to Work

CHSS 2003
Ref: SC/086/V1

Issue
Receipt
Clearance and return to service
Cancellation
Extensions

Just remember the failure to

manage permits
has cost lots of
lives in the past
- Piper Alpha,
Barry long Sea
Outfall,
Carsington...