Module : 2.
Title of Module : Basics of Risk Assessment
Objectives of Module :
1. Understand the Concept of Risk Assessment - Define risk assessment and
explain its purpose in workplace safety. Recognise risk assessments as living
documents requiring regular updates and improvements.
2. Identify the Legal, Moral, and Economic Imperatives for Risk
Assessments - Understand the legal framework, moral responsibilities, and
economic benefits of conducting thorough risk assessments.
3. Outline the Types of Risk Assessments - Differentiate between generic,
task-specific, legally required (young person, pregnant worker), dynamic, and
specialist risk assessments.
4. Define Hazard and Risk - Understand the concepts of hazards and risks,
including their relationship and how they are evaluated.
5. Apply the 5 Steps of Risk Assessment - Identify hazards, determine who
might be harmed, evaluate risks, record findings, and review/update
assessments.
6. Understand the Role of Communication and Participation - Emphasise the
importance of worker consultation and participation in developing and
implementing risk assessments.
7. Interpret Legal Provisions Related to Risk Assessments - Understand key
legislation, such as LN36 of 2003 and LN88 of 2018, and employer
responsibilities under occupational health and safety laws.
8. Learn from Case Studies - Analyse real-world examples to understand the
consequences of inadequate risk assessments and the importance of
compliance.
Course Notes based on the Objectives:
What is a risk assessment ?
A Risk Assessment is simply a careful examination of what could cause harm to
people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or
should do more to prevent harm.
Risk Assessment – A Dynamic Document
1. No such thing as a perfect risk assessment : Risk assessments are not infallible and
require ongoing improvement.
2. Mistakes and errors of judgement will occur,
3. If you discover that something isn’t right, rectify it.
4. Risk assessments are dynamic documents amended to move with progress and
change: - Regular updates ensure assessments remain relevant to evolving workplace
conditions.
Why risk assess?
• Legal ( Legislation/ Civil) Employers and self-employed individuals are legally
mandated to conduct thorough risk assessments under applicable laws
• Moral Responsibility
• Economic: Preventing accidents reduces downtime, compensation claims, and legal
penalties.
Legal requirement - LN 36 of 2003 Article 10
10.(1) It shall be the duty of every employer and of every self-employed person to carry
out, or to ensure that is carried out, suitable, sufficient and systematic assessment
of all the occupational health and safety hazards which may be present at the place of
work and the resultant risks involved concerning all aspects of the work activity.
Such assessments shall consider the risks to the health and safety of workers and of
self-employed persons to which they are exposed whilst at work, as well as the
risks to the health and safety of other persons, including visitors to the place of
work, which risks arise out of, or in connection with the work being carried out, or by
the conduct of the undertaking:Provided that when carrying out such assessments,
an employer and a self-employed person shall also take into consideration changes
to the work activities being carried out and to the workplace, and shall take appropriate
action.
(2) Where five or more workers are employed, an employer shall keep in his
possession written or retrievable electronic copies of such assessments, and shall
ensure that they are updated regularly.
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(3) An employer and a self-employed person shall decide on the protective measures
appropriate to the nature of the work being carried out which are required to be taken
following these assessments and, if necessary, the protective equipment to be used.
(4) The assessments referred to in this regulation shall be reviewed whenever
there is any major change in working conditions, or whenever the employer or self-
employed person have reason to suspect that they are no longer valid.
Health and Safety at work (Minimum requirements for work at construction
sites) - L.N. 52 of 2025
Duties of contractors
(i) notwithstanding anything stated in the Act or any regulations thereof, carry out
or ensure that a written,suitable, sufficient and systematic risk assessment
of all the occupational health and safety hazards which may be present at the
construction site and the resultant risks involved concerning all aspects of the
work activity in the construction site, is carried out for each project being
undertaken, and that all workers are informed of its contents in order to be aware of
any hazards on construction.
Such assessments shall consider the risks to the health and safety of workers and of
self-employed persons to which they are exposed whilst at work in a construction site,
as well as the risks to the health and safety of other persons, including visitors
to the construction site which risks arise out of,or in connection with the work being
carried out, or by the conduct of the undertaking: Provided that when carrying out
such assessments, a contractor shall also take into consideration changes to the work
activities being carried out and to the workplace, and shall take appropriate action;
(ii) the contractors shall keep in their possession written or retrievable electronic
copies of such assessments and shall ensure that they are updated regularly;
(iii) the contractors shall decide on the protective measures appropriate to the nature
of the work being carried out which are required to be taken following these
assessments and, if necessary, the protective equipment to be used.
(iv) the assessments referred to in this regulation shall be reviewed whenever there
is any major change in working conditions, or whenever the contractors have
reason to suspect that they are no longer valid;
(j) comply without undue delay, with the preventive and protective measures indicated
by the risk assessment carried out under these regulations and, or any other relevant
regulations made under the Act;
Types of Risk Assessments
1. Generic Risk Assessments
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Generic risk assessments are broad evaluations designed to identify and mitigate
common hazards across similar premises or activities.
Examples:
● An office premises
● Generic assessment of a factory
2. Task Specific Risk Assessments
Task-specific assessments focus on risks associated with a particular job or activity.
The purpose is to address unique risks that are not covered by generic assessments.
Examples:
- Working at height.
- Excavation work during construction.
3. Legally required Specific Assessments
● Young Persons
● Pregnant Workers
● Display Screen Equipment Users
● Confined Space
● Legionella
4. Dynamic Risk Assessments
Dynamic assessments are conducted in real-time to address hazards that emerge
during rapidly changing or unforeseen situations. The purpose of a dynamic risk
assessment is to adapt to immediate risks and ensure safety under evolving
circumstances.
Examples:
● Emergency repairs in hazardous conditions.
● Unplanned site work during construction projects.
5. Specialists Risk Assessments
These assessments require expertise to address complex or technical hazards.
Examples:
- Noise exposure assessments to prevent hearing damage.
- Vibration assessments for workers using power tools.
- COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments for managing
chemical hazards.
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What is a Hazard ?
The potential to cause harm including:
• to health and injury
• damage to property, plant, products or the environment
• production losses or increased liabilities.
What is a Risk ?
Risk refers to the likelihood that harm will occur from exposure to a hazard.
It depends on the nature of the hazard and the context in which it exists.
Relationship of hazard and risk
Hazard Potential to cause harm or damage
Risk Likelihood of that harm occurring
Risk Matrix
Components of a risk assessment
1. Identify Hazards: Walk the workplace, consult records, and use resources like
safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions.
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2. Determine Who Might Be Harmed: Include workers, adjacent personnel, visitors,
vulnerable individuals, and members of the public.
3. Evaluate Risks and Control Measures: Decide on measures to eliminate or
reduce risks systematically.
4. Record Findings: Document hazards, risks, and control measures.
5. Review and Update: Regularly revisit the assessment for changes in work
practices, new hazards, or incidents.
Risk assessments - Team approach
Attitudes to risk vary greatly between individuals. A group or team approach as
opposed to an individual approach is a better practice when assessing risk and
establishing safe working practices.
Risk perception varies among individuals due to factors like age, experience, and
training. A collaborative, team-based approach ensures a more comprehensive
assessment, reducing biases and oversights.
Key to Effective Risk Assessments:
- Engage all stakeholders, including workers, to prevent assessments from becoming
mere "paper exercises."
- Communicate findings clearly and provide training as necessary.
- Keep assessments accessible and up-to-date at the worksite.
- Communication with Workers Health and Safety Representative/s is a legal
requirement.
LN36 of 2003
Provision of information
Employees are to be provided with information on:
(a) the risks to health and safety which are known to the employer or which have been
identified by any risk assessment
(b) the preventive and protective measures required with respect to all the risks
identified;
(c) the procedures to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger present
at work, including on the evacuation of workers, and on the arrangements made in
respect of first aid, and fire-fighting: Provided that where appropriate, an employer
shall put up information signs which shall be placed at suitable locations indicating the
procedures and arrangements made thereon, including the names of the person or
persons responsible, their location within the establishment and how they can best be
contacted in times of need.
Workers’ representatives with specific responsibility for the safety and health of
workers shall be allowed to carry out their functions shall have access to: (a) any risk
assessment and protective measures referred to previously; and (b) all information
with respect to occupational health and safety given to the employer by outside
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agencies contracted by him on any matter regarding occupational health and safety,
as well as by an officer.
Consultation and participation of workers
Workers and their representatives shall have the right to make representations with,
and to make proposals to their employer on any matter which may affect the health,
safety and welfare at work, including, but not limited to –
(a) measures which may substantially affect health and safety.
(b) the designation of workers having specific functions for first aid, firefighting and the
evacuation of workers in case of serious and imminent danger, and on the method of
selection of workers’ representatives.
(c) those risk assessments required to be carried out by an employer and their results,
the preventive and protective measures required to be taken.
(d) occupational accidents, injuries and cases of occupational ill-health occurring at
the employer’s place of work.
(e) the enlistment, where and when appropriate, of those competent services or
persons outside the undertaking and, or establishment, as referred to in regulation
(f) all information required to be given to workers by virtue of these regulations and of
any other regulations issued under the Act;
(g) the planning and organisation of the training required to be given to workers by
virtue of these regulations and by other regulations issued under the Act.
Risk assessments - 5 Steps
Step 1 : Collecting Information
What information should I collect?
To assess occupational risk at the workplace you need to know:
• where the workplace and/or the jobs performed are located;
• who works there: pay particular attention to those for whom occupational hazard may
be more severe than usual, such as pregnant women, young workers or workers with
disabilities. Remember also about part-time workers, subcontractors and visitors, and
employees who work offsite (including drivers, those visiting clients’ or customers
homes, etc.);
• what work equipment, materials, and processes are used;
• what tasks are performed (e.g., in what way and for how long they are performed);
• what hazards have already been identified, and what their sources are;
• what the potential consequences of existing hazards are;
• what protective measures are used;
• what accidents, occupational diseases and other occurrences of ill-health have been
reported;
• what legal and other requirements are related to the workplace.
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How can I collect this information?
You can look for information in the following sources:
• technical data of the equipment, materials, or substances used at the workplace;
• technological procedures and work manuals;
• results of measurements of noxious, or hazardous and strenuous factors at the
workplace;
• records of work accidents and occupational diseases;
• specifications of the properties of chemical substances;
• legal regulations and technical standards;
• scientific and technical literature.
Information can also be obtained by:
•observing the work environment;
•observing the tasks performed at the workplace;
•observing the tasks performed outside the workplace;
• interviewing employees;
•observing external factors that may have an impact on the workplace (e.g., tasks
performed by third parties, weather conditions).
•Walk the workplace
•Ask others for hazards missed
And check......
•Safety websites for guidance
•Trade organisation guidance
•Manufacturer's instructions
•Suppliers data sheets
•Consult accident records
Also think of long term effects
Step 2 : Identifying hazards and who might be affected
Hazard risk perception
Can depend on :
Age
Gender
Health
Fitness
Background environment
Personality
Experience
Previous injury / Medical history
Training / skills
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Task knowledge
Hazard - Physical
• Asbestos
• Chemicals, gases, dusts
• Computers, & display screens/monitors
• Diesel
• Drugs
• Electricity
• Fire
• Machinery
• Manual handling
• Noise
• Radiation
• Repetitive movements
• Slips, trips and falls
• Transport
• Vibration
Hazards - Psychosocial
• Lack of consultation, or participation
• Lack of control over work
• Boredom and isolation
• Bullying
• Long hours
• Shift Work
• Monotonous or paced work
• Violence (verbal/physical)
• Work-related stress
• Work overload
Hazard - Biological
• COVID-19
• Animal and plant allergens
• Diseases from animals
• Pathogens
• Legionnaires disease
Hazard Exercise
Who might be affected
•The worker or operators
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•Adjacent workers
•Particular groups of workers
•Visitors / Members of public
•New employees
•Members of the public
•Cleaners
•Pregnant women
•Young persons
•Persons with a disability
Step 3 : Assessing risk arising from a hazard
Step 4 -Planning actions to eliminate or reduce risk - Reviewing assessment
Risk Elimination v Reduction
A common misperception to risk is that it should be eliminated.
More often managing down and controlling risk
In extreme cases elimination is the only solution or answer.
Risk Reduction
Risks are systematically reduced by measures, according to the hierarchy of risk
control.
Hierarchy of risk control
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Duties of employers - Health and Safety at work Act Article 12
(2) The measures that need to be taken by an employer to prevent physical
and psychological occupational ill-health, injury or death, shall be taken on the basis
of the following general principles of prevention, that is by:
(a) the avoidance of risk;
(b) the identification of hazards associated with work;
(c) the evaluation of those risks which cannot be avoided;(d) the control at source of
those risks which cannot be avoided;
(e) the taking of all the necessary measures to reduce risk as much as reasonably
practicable, including the replacement of the hazardous by the non-hazardous orby
the less hazardous;
(f) giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures;
(g) adapting the work to the worker, particularly in so as the design of workplaces,
the choice of work equipment and the choice of working and production methods are
concerned, in particular with a view to alleviating monotonous work and work at a
predetermined work-rate, and to reducing their effect on health;
(h) by adapting to technical progress in the interest of occupational health and
safety; and
(i) by the development of a coherent overall prevention policy which covers
technology, the organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships and
the influence of factors related to the working environment.
Elimination examples
•Use extendable tools to eliminate work at height
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•Materials delivered cut to size to remove the use of blades
•Cordless equipment to get rid of trailing cables
Control measures exercises
•ELIMINATION?
•SUBSTITUTION?
•ISOLATION?
•ENGINEERING?
•ADMINISTRATION?
•PPE?
PPE Selection, Care, and Replacement : it must be emphasised that PPE is the last
resort however, PPE is required nonetheless, therefore workers must ensure that it is used
appropriately, cared for etc.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a critical component in protecting workers
from potential hazards. However, PPE should always be considered as a last resort
after other safety measures, such as engineering controls or administrative
procedures, have been implemented. In certain situations, though, PPE is
indispensable and must be carefully selected, used, and maintained.
PPE includes equipment such as helmets, gloves, respiratory protection, and eye
protection designed to safeguard workers from workplace hazards. Some PPE must
be personalised to fit the worker properly and comfortably to ensure its effectiveness.
This includes items like gloves, safety footwear, and respiratory protection, which
should be selected based on the worker's specific tasks and needs.
Classes of Safety Shoes (S1, S2, S3): Safety shoes come in various classes designed
for different levels of protection.
● S1: Offers basic protection with a closed heel and toecap, suitable for indoor
use where there’s a low risk of falling objects.
● S2: Provides all the features of S1, with added water resistance to protect
against wet environments.
● S3: Includes the features of S2 with additional slip resistance and a protective
toe cap, designed for outdoor or more hazardous environments.
PPE must be stored in a clean, dry area away from direct sunlight, extreme
temperatures, and chemicals that may degrade the equipment. Proper storage
ensures the longevity of the equipment and maintains its protective function. For
example, helmets should not be left in hot, humid conditions or exposed to harsh
chemicals that could weaken their structure.
Safety Helmets: A safety helmet is essential in protecting the head from falling objects,
impacts, or debris. It should be worn at all times in construction environments where
these hazards are present. The helmet’s lifespan is crucial—each helmet comes with
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a recommended shelf life, usually around 3 to 5 years, after which it should be
replaced, even if it has not been involved in an impact. Storage should be done
properly to maintain its integrity, ensuring it is placed in a cool, dry location and not
subjected to unnecessary stress, such as being dropped. One should be able to
distinguish between a safety helmet and a bump cap.
Gloves: Gloves are an important part of PPE to protect hands from cuts, abrasions,
chemicals, and extreme temperatures. They should be selected based on the task—
for example, chemical-resistant gloves for handling hazardous materials or cut-
resistant gloves for handling sharp objects. Regular inspections should be conducted
to ensure gloves are in good condition and replaced when they show signs of wear or
damage.
Respiratory Protection: Respiratory protection is necessary when workers are
exposed to airborne contaminants, such as dust, fumes, or chemicals. Different types
of respiratory protection are available, including disposable masks, half-face
respirators, and full-face respirators. The selection depends on the specific hazard and
the level of protection needed. Maintenance and regular fit testing are essential for
ensuring effectiveness, as poorly fitting masks or damaged filters can compromise
protection.
Eye Protection: Eye protection, such as goggles or face shields, is necessary in
environments where workers are exposed to flying particles, chemicals, or intense
light. Different types of eye protection provide varying degrees of coverage, with face
shields offering more extensive protection than safety glasses. These should be
regularly cleaned and checked for damage, and replaced when scratched or cracked
to maintain optimal safety.
Proper selection, care, and timely replacement of PPE are essential for ensuring the
safety and health of workers. By adhering to these practices, OHS professionals can
reduce workplace injuries and enhance the protective capabilities of the equipment.
Step 5: Documenting the risk assessment
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Reasons to review
•Scheduled review
•Modified activity
•Change of persons involved
•Others now affected
•Incident or Near Miss
•New information/ guidance
Finished risk assessment
•Live / Dynamic document
•Contents shared / Known
•Controls implemented
•Regular reviews
•Shared ownership
Case Study - Law case (also refer to notes of Module 1.1)
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The case highlights the critical failure to conduct a proper risk assessment, which
ultimately led to a serious accident involving a high-up delivery truck operated by an
employee of a construction company in Malta.
Incident Overview
On April 20, 2004, a delivery truck rolled down a steep street, causing significant
damage to property and parked vehicles and injuring the operator. At the time, the
operator was delivering bricks. Despite working on a steep incline, he did not deploy
the truck’s outriggers, a critical safety measure designed to stabilise the vehicle during
unloading operations.
Key Failures
1. No Risk Assessment - There was no documented or conducted risk assessment to
identify and mitigate hazards related to unloading heavy loads on a steep incline.
2. Negligence by the Operator:
- The truck was left on the handbrake alone, without activating the proper braking
system or stabilising outriggers.
- The engine was left running during the unloading process.
- The operator relied on a makeshift safety measure by asking a helper to place a
wooden block under a wheel but failed to verify its adequacy.
3. Violation of Safety Protocols: The operator did not follow essential procedures such
as securing the truck or waiting for the load to be fully unloaded before restarting the
engine.
Expert Findings
- A technical expert concluded that the truck was in good condition and the accident
resulted solely from operator negligence.
- A legal expert determined that Buhaggiar’s failure to implement basic safety
measures contributed to the incident.
Court Considerations
The court recognised that the operator, as an employee, was not responsible for
conducting formal risk assessments. However, under Article 7(1) of Cap. 424 He is
responsible to ensure his own safety and that of others affected by his work. His
actions were deemed negligent as he failed to:
- Stabilise the truck appropriately using outriggers.
- Ensure proper braking measures are in place.
- Prevent the truck from being left unattended during a hazardous operation.
Conclusion
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This case underscores the critical importance of conducting thorough risk
assessments and implementing safety measures. Although the employer was not
directly present, the lack of a documented risk assessment and training left the
operator to make unsafe decisions resulting in preventable harm and damage.
Construct Furniture
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This case involves a Furniture company in Malta., whose director, was accused of
failing to meet legal obligations concerning health and safety following an incident in
which a 16-year-old employee, whom sustained severe injuries while handling glass
sheets at work.
Incident Overview
The accident occurred when the young person (employee), employed as a helper on
the finish line, was asked by a colleague to assist in handling six or seven glass sheets,
each weighing 13.5 kg. While the employee was supporting the glass, the colleague
left to perform another task, leaving him alone, at which point the glass fell on him.
Key Failures
1. Inadequate Risk Assessment:
- The risk assessment (RA) for young workers was found to be overly vague and did
not meet the standards required by Legal Notice 91/2000, which mandates a thorough
evaluation of risks specifically for young employees.
- The RA failed to address critical points such as the risks associated with handling
heavy materials and the lack of supervision during such tasks.
2. Lack of Training:
- The employee received no training during his three-week employment period,
contrary to legal requirements to provide training tailored to the risks young workers
might face.
3. Failure to Implement Adequate Controls:
- Despite the risks identified, no measures were taken to prevent such incidents,
such as proper supervision or limiting young workers’ exposure to hazardous tasks.
Legal and Employer Responsibilities
- The director was legally responsible for ensuring compliance with health and safety
laws. He delegated the risk assessment to another individual but did not ensure its
adequacy or implementation.
- Obligations Under Law:
- Article 6(1) and 6(2) of Chapter 424 require employers to protect the health and
safety of their employees by conducting risk assessments and implementing
necessary precautions.
- Legal Notice 91/2000 specifically mandates risk assessments for young workers,
including measures to address hazards and necessary training.
Conclusion
The court found that the employer's risk assessment was inadequate and failed to
identify or mitigate the risks posed to young workers. This failure, combined with a lack
of training and supervision, directly contributed to the incident. The director, was held
responsible for not ensuring compliance with the legal requirements to protect the
safety and health of young employees.
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