Health & Safety > Risk Analysis and Hazard Identification Procedure
Authorised by Chief Executive Officer
Issue Date 7 July 2023
The following activities are key elements of Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
Hazard Identification
Hazard identification is the process of identifying hazards in the workplace or for a work procedure. To understand what hazard identification involves, it is first necessary to understand the nature of hazards.
Workplace hazards can be divided into a number groups:
1. Physical hazards such as noise, electricity, heat and cold;
2. Chemical hazards such as toxic gases, noxious fumes and corrosive liquids;
3. Ergonomic hazards such as the height of a workbench, the shape of a vehicle seat and the length of a control lever;
4. Radiation hazards, for example, from x-ray machines, high powered lasers, radioactive materials;
5. Psychological hazards such as stress from using equipment without proper training or instructions, overwork, and working with challenging people
6. Biological hazards such as syringes containing potentially infected blood, specimen containers carrying potentially infected materials and Legionella bacteria and viruses from air conditioning systems.
Any new hazards identified in any of these areas can be recorded on the Hazard & Near Miss Alert Form SF-10 and reported to a supervisor or manager. These are then recorded on the Incident Register in K Drive and discussed at an OH&S Meeting.
Hazards are also identified through Workplace Inspections.
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment involves examining and evaluating the likelihood and severity (or consequence) of the potential outcomes to prioritise risks for control. Kyeema uses a Risk Analysis Matrix SF-08 to assist in evaluating Risk.
In assessing the risks, three essential steps are taken:
1. The probability or likelihood of an incident occurring is evaluated.
2. The severity of the potential consequences is calculated or estimated.
3. Based on these two factors, the risks are assigned priority for risk control using a risk rating and communicated with supervisors or managers.
Risk Control
Risk control provides a means by which risks can be systematically evaluated against a set of control options (the hierarchy of controls) to determine the most effective control methods for the risk associated with each hazard.
This process involves analysing the data collected during the hazard identification and risk assessment processes and developing a plan to control the risks identified.
Each risk should be examined having regard to the "Hierarchy of Controls".
This provides a method of systematically evaluating each risk to determine, firstly, if the causal hazard can be eliminated, and otherwise, to find the most effective control method for each risk.
The "Hierarchy of Controls" should be used at all times when implementing controls to eliminate the hazard or reduce the risk of a hazard causing harm or loss.
Hierarchy of Controls
The hierarchy of controls is as follows:
1. Eliminate the hazard.
2. Substitute with a lesser hazard.
3. Use engineering controls to reduce hazard
4. Administrative controls such as workplace procedures.
5. Personal Protective Equipment.
In many cases, it will be necessary to use more than one control method.
Back-up controls (such as personal protective equipment and administrative controls) are considered the least effective and should only be used as a support to other control measures.
Related Policies, Procedures and Documents:
Occupational Overuse and Repetition Strain Prevention Procedure
Excursion Activity Checklist CCF-52
Home Risk Assessment Form CCF-19
Activity Risk Assessment Form SF-46
Job Safety Analysis SF-17
Risk Analysis Matrix SF-08
Workplace Inspection Checklist - Neighbourhood House SF-40
Organisational Risk Register is on K Drive