Lesson 4 Flashcards
Definition of risk?
a situation involving exposure to danger
What can danger relate to?
- physical wellbeing
- mental wellbeing
- social relationships
- financial situations
- legal situations
What’s the difference between a hazard and a risk?
A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm but a risk is the likelihood or change of a hazard causing harm.
What is the first step in implementing health and safety legislation?
Risk assessment
What do risk assessments identify?
potential hazards in a particular area or procedure and the level of risk associated with each hazard.
What is an overall risk assessment for a business?
a collection of individual risk assessments, each focusing on one procedure or one area of the business.
Definition of a risk assessment?
written documents evaluating risks in the workplace
What do risk assessments set out?
measures to reduce the likelihood of that harm
What are the 5 steps to a risk assessment?
1 - identify hazards
2 - assess the risk
3 - control the risk
4 - record and implement findings
5 - review
Describe the identifying hazards step in risk assessments?
Hazards can be identified by walking around the workplace, considering any previous incidents, asking workers what they think and checking any manufacturer instructions.
Describe assessing the risk step in risk assessments?
For each hazard, identify who might be harmed, how they might be harmed, what is the likelihood of being harmed and, were an accident to happen, what the severity of the harm might be.
Describe controlling the risk step in risk assessments?
A hierarchy of controls is used to reduce risk. Can the risk can be fully removed, replaced with something safer or isolated from people? If not, what other methods of protection are available? Safer working procedures? Providing personal protective equipment (PPE)? Increasing or improving training?
Any measures used to reduce risk are called controls.
Describe recording and implementing findings step in risk assessments?
When a risk assessment is complete, the findings are recorded and this information shared with all staff. It is crucial that everyone has access to the assessment. The next step is to implement any required changes without delay.
Describe the reviewing step in risk assessments?
All risk assessments must be reviewed regularly to account for any changes in the workplace. At each review, the existing controls and their effectiveness are assessed and revised as required. Risk assessments are also updated between reviews if evidence emerges that changes are needed.
Describe the hierarchy of controls?
Once the risk assessment has identified any areas of increased risk in the workplace, a hierarchy of controls can be applied.
The focus is first on removing the hazard, second on managing the hazard and, only if essential, working with the hazard.
What are the 6 orders of the hierarchy of controls?
1 - Elimination: eliminate/remove hazards completely (eg redesign a job, substitute a substance).
2 - Reduction/substitution: replace materials/processes with less hazardous alternatives.
3 - Isolation: prevent anyone from using faulty equipment until it is repaired.
4 - Engineering controls: separate hazards from operators (eg enclosing or guarding the danger).
5 - Administration: identify and implement policies and procedures to reduce risk (eg safety signage, training and certification, safe working practices, discipline).
6 - PPE: whatever the level of risk reduction already in place (ie points 2–5), suitable and appropriate PPE should always be provided and used when required.
What do risk assessments need to be?
clear, easy to use and practical
What could happen if a risk assessment is produced by just ‘following the rules’ or by someone who is not involved with the work?
- poor work practices
- higher risk of accidents
- loss of time in emergency situations and increased severity as a result
- financial impacts (loss of working time, income and reputation)
What does SSOW stand for?
Safe systems of work
What are SSOWs?
a legal requirement for any business and apply to all control measures.
What do SSOWs take the form of?
written documents
What do SSOW documents describe?
in detail the procedures workers need to follow to ensure they can complete a given task safely.
What does RAMS stand for?
risk assessment method statements
SOWW documents must be communicated to workers via instructions such as what?
risk assessment method statements (RAMS), training and signage.
What is RAMS?
a written document outlining how a specific procedure needs to be performed.
What should RAMS be?
clear and easy to read so that workers can quickly and easily understand the key points.
What can health and safety records be used as?
evidence of compliance
How must health and safety records be kept and why?
securely so that only the appropriate people will have access.
How long must health and safety records be maintained for?
five years and then destroyed securely.
What do health and safety records include?
- risk assessments
- RAMS
- maintenance, staff training and accident records
- other relevant files
Where must every accident at work be recorded?
an accident record book
What must the accident record book contain?
information such as the time of the incident, the location, who was involved, a clear description of what happened, the outcome (if relevant) and any future measures taken to reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence.
What should accident record books be used to identify?
trends and hazards, so that safety procedures can be further improved
What is an employer legally obliged to ensure when a worker is injured or becomes ill?
that workers will receive appropriate care
Definition of first-aiders?
trained workers who are able to administer first aid if needed to other workers or members of the public
What does FAW stand for?
First Aid at Work
What does EFAW stand for?
Emergency First Aid at Work
What do communication systems for lone workers ensure?
they are able to contact a designated person for help if they need it
What does signage highlight?
safety practices and hazardous areas
What do appropriate facilities for employees help with?
reducing risk
