103 Safety

Question 1

Discuss the concept of Operational Risk Management (ORM)

Answer 1

NDP-1 (Naval Warfare) states “By it’s nature, uncertainty of war invariably involves the
acceptance risk. ..Because risk is often related to gain, leaders weigh risks against the benefits to
requirements of mission success with the inherent risks of military action. Naval leaders have
always practiced risk management in their operational decision making. However, the approach
to risk, and degree of success in dealing with it, has varied widely depending on the leader and
his/her level of training and experience. The principles of Operational Risk Management can be
taught and effectively applied throughout the Navy and Marine Corps to enhance the decision
making capabilities of our personnel. Many Operational Risk Management techniques are
currently incorporated into our operational planning and decision making processes. The
evaluation and war-gaming of different courses of action, the establishment of mission go/no-go
criteria, the employment of maximum/minimum operating envelopes, and the use of mission/
confirmation briefings are all examples of how Commanders and units evaluate and manage risk.
In addition to continuing to utilize these techniques, the remainder process of this enclosure
outlines a formalized process which may be applied in dealing with risk

Question 2

Step 1 of ORM

Answer 2

Identify Hazards (Step 1). Begin with an outline or chart of the major steps in the operation (operational analysis). Next, conduct a preliminary hazard analysis by listing all of the hazards associated with each step in the operational analysis along with possible causes for those hazards.

Question 3

Step 2 of ORM

Answer 3

Assess Hazards (Step 2). For each hazard identified, determine the associated degree of risk in terms of probability and severity. Although not required, the use of a matrix described in paragraph 6c of this enclosure may be helpful in assessing hazards.

Question 4

Step 3 of ORM

Answer 4

Make Risk Decisions (Step 3). First, develop risk control options. Start with The most serious risk and select controls that will reduce the risk to a minimum consistent with mission accomplishment. With selected controls in place, decide if the residual risk is acceptable and the benefit of the operation outweighs the risk. If risk outweighs benefit or if assistance is required to implement controls, communicate with higher authority in the chain of command.

Question 5

Step 4 of ORM

Answer 5

d. Implement Controls (Step 4). The following measures can be used to eliminate hazards or reduce the degree of risk. These are listed by order of preference:

(1) Engineering Controls. Controls that use engineering methods to reduce risks by design, material selection, or substitution.
(2) Administrative Controls. Controls that reduce risks through specific administrative actions, such as:
(a) Providing suitable warnings, markings, placards, signs, and notices.
(b) Establishing written policies, programs, instructions and standard operating procedures.
(c) Training personnel to recognize hazards and take appropriate precautionary measures.
(d) Limiting the exposure to a hazard (either by reducing the number of assets or personnel exposed, or the duration of exposure).
(3) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Serves as a barrier between personnel and a hazard. PPE should be used when other controls do not reduce the hazard to an acceptable level.

Question 6

Step 5 of ORM

Answer 6

e. Supervise (Step 5). Conduct follow-up evaluations of the controls to ensure they remain in place and have the desired effect. Monitor for changes, which may require further ORM. Take corrective action when necessary.