Risk is defined as the likelihood and consequence of a hazardous event. A risk assessment involves carefully examining potential hazards in the work environment and determining the likelihood and severity of injury or harm. Risk assessments are carried out by identifying hazards, evaluating the risks, and implementing controls to mitigate risks. The assessment should involve workers and consider varying site conditions. Ongoing monitoring is needed to ensure effective implementation of risk controls.

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Module 2
ASSESSING RISK
Start

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1.
• What is risk?
2.
• What is a risk assessment?
3.
• How are risk assessments carried out?
Key learning points

3. Click to edit Master title styleWhat is risk?
What is risk?

4. Click to edit Master title styleWhat is risk?
Before going any further to know about risk, we need to
get a couple of definitions sorted out.

5. Click to edit Master title styleHazard
A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm, damage,
production losses or increased liability [HSG65].

6. Click to edit Master title styleHazardous event
Hazardous event occurs when someone or something interacts with the
hazard and harm results.

7. Click to edit Master title styleIdentify the hazard
Identify the hazards in the below scene:

8. Click to edit Master title styleExamples of hazard types
Physical: such as heat, lighting, noise, vibration, pressure etc.
Chemical: Any acid and alkalis, metals, gases etc.
Biological: these may be animal borne such as anthrax, rabies.
Ergonomical: Poor layout of workstation.
Psychological: e.g. stress, unsocial working hours, lone working etc.

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Risk is the combination of the likelihood of a hazardous event occurring,
and the consequence of the event.
What do we really mean by risk?

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Risk
i.e. A wet floor is a hazard. The risk is how likely it is that someone
will slip on the floor, and how severe is their injury going to be?
What do we really mean by risk? - Example

11. Click to edit Master title styleLikelihood and consequence - Example
You might find the simple example of a window cleaner using a ladder
to clean the windows of a three-storey high building a useful scenario.

12. Click to edit Master title styleLikelihood and consequence - Example
In the example how likely is it that he could
fall? To assess this, the following should be
considered:
The overall condition of the ladder.
The stability of the ladder.
The Condition of the rungs.
The use of appropriate footwear.
The level of lighting available.

13. Click to edit Master title styleLikelihood and consequence
Let us use a three point scale for likelihood of a
fall:
Low (1) : It is unlikely that the event
[accident] will happen
Medium (2) : It is fairly likely that the event
(accident)may happen.
High (3) : If it is likely that the event
(accident)will happen.
Now using the same method, let us consider the
factors that would impact the outcome
(severity/ consequence)of the event:
The height of the fall.
Is there anything to help stop / prevent the
fall?
What the person falls onto i.e. solid or soft
surface.

14. Click to edit Master title styleLikelihood and consequence
Risk is the combination of likelihood of a hazardous event occurring,
and the consequence of the event.
Risk = Likelihood X consequence

15. Click to edit Master title styleWhat is risk?
What is a risk assessment?

16. Click to edit Master title styleA risk assessment is a careful examination
A risk assessment is a careful examination of anything in your work
environment that could cause injury or ill health.

17. Click to edit Master title styleA risk assessment is a careful examination
A risk assessment helps to protect:
 You
 Your workforce and others
 Your business

18. Click to edit Master title styleHazard vs Risk

19. Click to edit Master title styleHow are risk assessments carried out?
How are risk assessments carried
out?

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Make it suitable and sufficient.
Use accurate information to make better judgment.
Involve the people it is likely to affect.
Bear in mind that conditions may vary from site to site.
"On the spot assessments" can be valuable.
To enhance a Risk Assessment...

22. Click to edit Master title styleSample risk assessment form

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A Risk Assessment is only good as
everyone concerned putting it into
practice.
You must remember that :

24. Click to edit Master title stylePlay time
Click on the yellow triangle to see the hazard in the area.!

26. Click to edit Master title styleEnd of module 2
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