Risk Assessment Procedure
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
o Purpose of the Document
o Scope of the Procedure
o Definitions and Abbreviations
2. Responsibilities
o Roles and Responsibilities
o Management Responsibility
o Employee Responsibility
3. Risk Assessment Process
o Overview of the Risk Assessment Process
o Steps in Risk Assessment
4. Hazard Identification
o Definition of Hazards
o Methods for Hazard Identification
o Types of Hazards
5. Risk Evaluation
o Criteria for Risk Evaluation
o Risk Rating Matrix
o Likelihood and Severity of Risks
6. Control Measures
o Types of Control Measures (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering,
Administrative, PPE)
o Hierarchy of Controls
o Implementing Control Measures
7. Documentation and Reporting
o Risk Assessment Forms and Templates
o Reporting Requirements
o Record Keeping
8. Review and Monitoring
o Regular Review and Updates
o Monitoring Control Effectiveness
o Continuous Improvement
1
9. Training and Awareness
o Training Requirements
o Employee Awareness Programs
o Competency Evaluation
10. Appendices
o Appendix A: Risk Assessment Template
o Appendix B: Risk Matrix Example
o Appendix C: Glossary of Terms
Appendices
1. Appendix A: Risk Assessment Template
o Example template for conducting a risk assessment
2. Appendix B: Risk Matrix
o Visual aid showing the matrix for likelihood and severity scoring
3. Appendix C: Glossary of Terms
o Definitions of terms used in the document
2
1. Introduction
Purpose of the Document
This document is designed to provide a structured approach for conducting risk
assessments to promote workplace safety and ensure compliance with HSE standards. It
serves as a guide for identifying, evaluating, and controlling potential hazards, thus
protecting the health and safety of employees, contractors, visitors, and the environment.
Scope of the Procedure
The procedure applies across all company departments and operations where hazards may
pose a risk. It includes employees, contractors, and any relevant third parties involved in
the organization’s operations. The scope extends to both routine and non-routine tasks,
focusing on identifying, evaluating, and managing risks to prevent injuries, illnesses, and
environmental harm.
Definitions and Abbreviations
This section provides key definitions and abbreviations used throughout the document to
ensure clarity:
● Hazard: A potential source of harm or adverse health effect.
● Risk: The probability and impact of harm from a hazard.
● HSE: Health, Safety, and Environment. Definitions of additional terms are provided
in Appendix C for quick reference.
2. Responsibilities
Roles and Responsibilities
Each individual within the organization has a responsibility to support a safe working
environment. This section outlines the specific roles of HSE officers, managers, supervisors,
and employees in identifying hazards, conducting risk assessments, and implementing
controls.
Management Responsibility
Management is accountable for establishing a safe work culture, providing resources, and
enforcing compliance with HSE policies. Their responsibilities include overseeing risk
assessments, ensuring adequate controls are implemented, and promoting a commitment
to safety within the organization.
Employee Responsibility
Employees are expected to adhere to safety practices, participate in risk assessments,
report hazards or safety concerns, and follow control measures as outlined in the risk
assessment process. Their active involvement is crucial for effective risk management.
3
3. Risk Assessment Process
Overview of the Risk Assessment Process
The risk assessment process is a structured methodology for identifying hazards, evaluating
associated risks, and implementing control measures. It ensures that all hazards are
systematically managed to minimize workplace injuries, illnesses, and environmental
impacts.
Steps in Risk Assessment
The key steps in the risk assessment process include:
1. Hazard Identification: Recognizing potential sources of harm.
2. Risk Evaluation: Assessing the likelihood and severity of potential impacts.
3. Control Implementation: Determining and applying appropriate control
measures.
4. Monitoring and Review: Ensuring controls remain effective over time.
4. Hazard Identification
Definition of Hazards
A hazard is any source of potential harm, damage, or adverse health effect. Hazards can be
physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial in nature, and they can impact
both people and the environment.
Methods for Hazard Identification
Common methods for identifying hazards include workplace inspections, job safety analyses
(JSAs), incident investigations, and gathering employee feedback. Using a variety of
methods ensures comprehensive hazard identification.
Types of Hazards
● Physical Hazards: E.g., machinery, electricity, noise.
● Chemical Hazards: E.g., toxic substances, flammable materials.
● Biological Hazards: E.g., bacteria, viruses.
● Ergonomic Hazards: E.g., repetitive motion, poor posture.
● Psychosocial Hazards: E.g., work stress, violence.
5. Risk Evaluation
Criteria for Risk Evaluation
Risk evaluation involves assessing the likelihood and severity of each identified hazard to
determine risk levels and prioritize control measures. The evaluation considers both the
probability of occurrence and the potential impact on health, safety, and the environment.
Risk Rating Matrix
4
A risk rating matrix assigns risk levels based on likelihood and severity. The matrix helps
categorize risks as low, medium, high, or critical, guiding the decision-making process for
control measures.
Likelihood and Severity of Risks
Likelihood refers to the chance of a risk event occurring, while severity measures the
impact. Both factors are considered in determining the overall risk level.
6. Control Measures
Types of Control Measures
Control measures are categorized based on their effectiveness:
1. Elimination: Removing the hazard entirely.
2. Substitution: Replacing the hazard with a less risky option.
3. Engineering Controls: Isolating people from the hazard.
4. Administrative Controls: Changing work practices to reduce exposure.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Used as the last line of defense.
Hierarchy of Controls
The hierarchy prioritizes control measures from most to least effective, advocating for
elimination and substitution before administrative controls and PPE.
Implementing Control Measures
Once identified, control measures should be implemented to reduce risks to acceptable
levels. Regular monitoring ensures that controls remain effective and adjustments are
made as necessary.
7. Documentation and Reporting
Risk Assessment Forms and Templates
Standardized forms and templates are used to document risk assessments, ensuring
consistency and thoroughness in recording hazards, risk levels, and control measures.
Reporting Requirements
Completed risk assessments and control measures must be reported to relevant
stakeholders and documented for future reference, ensuring transparency and
accountability.
Record Keeping
Records of all risk assessments are retained according to organizational policy and legal
requirements, supporting future reviews and audits.
5
8. Review and Monitoring
Regular Review and Updates
Risk assessments are periodically reviewed, particularly following incidents, changes in
operations, or new regulations, to ensure they remain relevant and effective.
Monitoring Control Effectiveness
Ongoing monitoring evaluates the effectiveness of control measures to ensure they
continue to protect employees and the environment from identified hazards.
Continuous Improvement
The risk assessment process is evaluated regularly to identify improvements, adapt to
emerging risks, and incorporate new best practices.
9. Training and Awareness
Training Requirements
Employees involved in risk assessment are provided with regular training on best practices
and regulatory requirements, ensuring they are competent to identify hazards and assess
risks.
Employee Awareness Programs
Programs promote awareness of risks and safety practices. Effective communication
ensures all employees understand their role in maintaining a safe workplace.
Competency Evaluation
Competency evaluations assess whether employees have the knowledge and skills required
to participate in or conduct risk assessments effectively.
10. Appendices
Appendix A: Risk Assessment Template
Provides a template for conducting a risk assessment, detailing fields for hazard
identification, risk assessment, control measures, and responsible parties.
Appendix B: Risk Matrix Example
Includes a visual aid showing the matrix for likelihood and severity scoring, assisting in
consistent risk evaluation.
Appendix C: Glossary of Terms
Defines terms and abbreviations used throughout the document, providing clarity and a
common understanding.