Every task on the work site, from set-up to housecleaning, benefits from safety risk management and protocols. The slightest misstep is not only detrimental to health and well-being but often has a domino effect on productivity, morale, environmental concerns, liability, potential fines, and financial loss. Combine your own training and analysis methods with guidance such as OSHA's Safety and Health program guidelines, and create a protocol that increases security and productivity.

Identify Health and Safety Risks

When employers and staff ask what is safety risk management and why is it needed, videos can be the first step in explaining the topic. However, visual training aids are part of a more extensive system designed to review all aspects of using equipment and working in an industrial setting. It's necessary to appoint someone to lead the assessments. Some companies choose to include third-party sources, such as health and safety trainers, supervisory programs, or insurance providers, that provide workshops and speakers. Generally, though, whoever is overseeing the crew or shift can take charge, as long as they are versed in regulations and codes.

Another vital part of understanding the safety risk management definition is knowing the difference between hazards and risks. A hazard is the source of potential harm, while a risk is the likelihood of being harmed. Risks include how many ways injury could occur and how many people could be typically involved in that scenario. Given the nature of the job, since most machinery and tools theoretically represent hazards, it's thereforenecessary to implement administrative controls and operating procedures to reduce or prevent risks.

Risk and Safety Management Through Multiple Perspectives

A collective team effort is key to performing thoroughly accurate reviews. Identify everyone who works on a particular task, and then take a step back and review everything. Among the American Society of Safety Engineers' top ten tips for risk assessments are performing an evaluation from a team perspective and determining levels of risk, including an analysis of cost-benefit and what is reasonably practicable. Whether you create an event tree or cause-and-consequence spreadsheet or use a preprinted template to record observations, notes, and solutions, have one on file for every job responsibility. Should an accident, error, or mishap occur with the machinery, or an item is replaced or upgraded, a new assessment will have to be put into place.

This Alberta Construction Safety Association's "Job Hazard Analysis" video presents a brief example of evaluations and how to write up reports. The visuals make it a helpful resource for workplace safety risk management orientations:

 

 

Determine Contributing Factors to Misuse and Accidents

There are a number of factors other than defects within equipment parts that may increase the risk of injury or illness. Discuss the following with employees:

  • Professional and personal worries: Sometimes it's difficult to notice anxieties on the job, which may stem from concerns within the work environment or that are carried over from home. Include tips to teach stress reduction with safety orientations.
  • Shortcuts or haste: Some employees may rush things to make sure that tasks get done or feel that their experience warrants skipping steps. Make sure everyone understands that it is still better to be late on something, or take more time, than incur harm to themselves or others.
  • Electrical overloads: Ensure power strips and extension cords aren't over capacity if an attempt is made to try to consolidate space or decrease time spent working between stations.
  • Improper storage, containment, or cleaning: Review these protocols for every tool, piece of equipment, and material, to see if any changes or corrections should be made during risk and safety managementevaluations.

Review Proper Usage, Movements, and Protective Gear

Schedule hands-on demonstrations for each tool and piece of machinery so that everyone assigned to work with them becomes familiar with what to do and what not to do. These toolbox talks are the perfect opportunities to reassess checklists for before and after each use, reevaluate lockout/tagout policies, and go back over chains of command for how to file reports if necessary. Have your employees practice with different kinds of cutting tools, such as retractable handles and replacement blades, so that they understand what the best utility knife blades for workplace safety are.

Correct postures and movements are also critical to reducing safety risks. Check that everyone is aware of the dangers of clothing, hair, and jewelry catching in rotating equipment or getting snagged in loading vehicles, on ladders, or within other gear. Clean and clear flooring, unobstructed aisles and doorways, and secure footing decrease the chances of slips and falls. If your crews work in confined spaces or with hazardous substances, make sure that you examine all of the potential air quality risks. Review what the essential clothing and respiratory coverings are, and how to signal for help if a dangerous situation arises.

Risk Management For Workplace

Make sure personal protective equipment (PPE) comfortably accommodates all sizes and is promptly replaced if someone has a notable change in weight. Allergies are another key consideration if PPEs are made of materials such as latex. Periodically check for rips, breaks, or anything that affects the items' durability and effectiveness.

Create Confidence and Success with Safety Risk Management

You may not be able to entirely eliminate all risks that work sites and machinery present, but you can sharply diminish the odds of anything happening. Policies will most likely change through the years, yet a comprehensive set of health and safety strategies boosts employees' confidence. Create a strong safety risk management system, and lead your teams to success.