5. HOW TO DETERMINE THE
CONSEQUENCES
The tool incorporates 5 consequences factors against which a
hazard could impact,
1 . Objectives / Financial, ( AObjectives)
2. Degree of Harm (to Staf f, Patient, Visitor or Member of the
Public), (BHarm)
3. Claims & Complaints / Patient Experience, (CExperience)
4. Impact on Services / Business Interruption / Projects,
(DService
Delivery)
5. Adverse Publicity / Reputation/ Inspection / Audit /
Enforcement Action. ( EExternal)
6. HOW TO DETERMINE THE LIKELIHOOD
Once you have determined the consequence (for each of the
hazards you identified),
you will need to determine the likelihood of the level of
consequence you have
identified being realised. Remember it’s the likelihood of the
consequence
occurring, not how of ten the activity takes place.
It is also important that any existing control measures are taken
into account when
determining the likelihood score. The derived score should also
evaluate whether:
the control adequately addresses the hazard
the control measure is documented and communicated
the control measure is in operation and applied consistently.
7. HOW TO ASSESS THE RISK
The risk score is determined by multiplying the consequence
and likelihood scores you have recorded for each hazard
To assess the risk associated with hazards you have
identified, ask the following questions:
How likely is the hazard to cause harm to someone?
What is the worst possible damage the hazard could cause in
terms of human suf fering and cost if you don't resolve the
problem?
How many people are exposed to the risk? Sometimes it may
be the amount of time workers spend on an activity that
creates the safety risk, rather than the nature of the work
task itself. Everyone is dif ferent. A hazard may also pose
more risk to some people more than others because of
dif ferences in physical strength, experience, training etc.
8. HOW TO MANAGE THE RISK
Level 1: Eliminate the hazard
Level 2: Substitute the hazard with a safer alternative
Level 3: Isolate the hazard
Level 4: Use engineering controls
Level 5: Use administrative controls
Level 6: Use personal protective clothing and equipment
(PPCE) .
