Introduction
AB Services undertakes hazard identification and risk assessments of its activities which inherently present risks to workers and other interested parties. (Health and Safety Executive, 2021) Confirms that even though recording risk assessments are paramount to organizations, the focus is not about generating a lot of paperwork, but rather identifying sensible risk control measures to deal with uncontrolled risks on sites where businesses operate. (Aaron, 2018) Writes that “risk control measures are a crucial tool to aid the prevention of accident or injury in the workplace. They should form part of the company’s broader health and safety plan providing a method to identify, control, and reduce the risks present in the workplace”.
![Table of Contents Introduction Communication of Risk Assessments Implementation of Risk Control Measures COVID-19 and Public Health Influence Legislation and Risk Control Hierarchy of Control Challenges in Implementation References Introduction AB Services undertakes hazard identification and risk assessments of its activities which inherently present risks to workers and other interested parties. (Health and Safety Executive, 2021) Confirms that even though recording risk assessments are paramount to organizations, the focus is not about generating a lot of paperwork, but rather identifying sensible risk control measures to deal with uncontrolled risks on sites where businesses operate. (Aaron, 2018) Writes that “risk control measures are a crucial tool to aid the prevention of accident or injury in the workplace. They should form part of the company’s broader health and safety plan providing a method to identify, control, and reduce the risks present in the workplace”. Communication of Risk Assessments The outcome of risk assessments are communicated and made available to all interested parties on basis to create awareness of risks and various control measures put in place. In the video (NEBOSH IG2 Exam tips (effective control plan) IG2, 2014 ), Dr. Wessam, proposes an action plan to ensure that all levels of risk control measures employed by the organization are properly evaluated to ensure they are adequate. This takes into account general/specific controls, prevention/mitigation controls, mechanical/non-mechanical hazards and the hierarchy of control. Risk Control measures are therefore applied as part of effective methods in eliminating hazards/risks where practicable. Otherwise additional controls are put in place to reduce risks to promote a safe working environment. Implementation of Risk Control Measures The risk control measures are implemented based on specific workplace conditions and additional factors that are identified as having the potential to cause harm. A systematic approach that has been utilized by many organization across the globe and in some cases stipulated in statutory requirements and have to be complied with. In all these, the influence of external factors are also recognized by Senior Management. Some of the external factors are Public Health Issues and Health and Safety Statutory Requirements. COVID-19 and Public Health Influence COVID 19 pandemic is an example of a public health and safety issue which has by far affected the way business is conducted in all organization throughout the world. Achieving a COVID-secure workplace as mentioned in (Health and Safety Executive, 2020) requires that employers should undertake a risk assessment considering the infectious nature of the coronavirus and how it can disrupt business operations. COVID 19 alone has led to multiple risk assessments reviews, review of health and safety procedures and change in work systems all targeted at ensuring that new developments are catered for. Physical resources have also been dedicated to compliment control measures which includes reduction of worker population in offices so some can work from home on rotational basis. Legislation and Risk Control The risk control measures are also stipulated in legislation and are to be complied with by organizations. For example, when carrying out risk assessments for demolition, the organization amongst other things considers the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The regulation as mentioned in (Health and Safety Executive, 2021) set out minimum standards for protecting employees from risks associated with exposure to asbestos. Hierarchy of Control The significance of the hierarchy of control is that it allows the organization to deal with risks in a systematic manner. It allows for a step-by-step approach to eliminating risks which is at the highest level of controlling risks. Reducing risks is also relevant where applicable but in ranks where the highest level of protection and reliability is employed. In order of the hierarchy, the hierarchy of control involves the following; 1. Elimination; Removing used cables from a walkway for proper storage. 2. Substitution; replacing a solvent-based paint with a water-based paint. 3. Engineering; local exhaust ventilation to remove airborne emissions. 4. Administrative; examples include procedural changes, signs and warnings. 5. Personal protective equipment; hard hats, respirators and high-visibility clothing. Eliminating the hazard and risk is the highest level of control in the hierarchy. But in some cases eliminating a hazard/risk is impossible. This is followed by reducing the risk through substitution. Engineering controls also follow, then reducing the risk through administrative controls. Reducing the risk through the use of protective personal equipment (PPE) is the lowest level of control but also very important as it is usually combined with higher controls to ensure safety. For example, hand gloves may be required to remove a dangerous chemical from the work area and stored for safety. A clear indication of combining the lowest level on the hierarchy to the highest level to remove a hazard. Challenges in Implementation A Successful implementation of the hierarchy of control among other control strategies is not always the case. There are some bottlenecks that hinder the effectiveness of control measures. Among these is Poor management commitment which is usually when workers do not see senior management leading by example or when senior managers do not demonstrate the aptitude of clear commitment. There is also the issue of Poor health and safety culture which negatively affects Health and Safety. Lastly, a weak understanding of Health and Safety risk assessments also impact adversely efforts to implement a successful health and safety program for the hierarchy of controls. Hence some form of training may be required. (835 Words) References Aaron, 2018. The Importance of Risk Control Measures in the Workplace. [Online] Available at: https://conserve.com.au/risk-control-measures-in-workplace/ [Accessed 18 March 2021]. Health and Safety Executive, 2020. Making your workplace COVID-secure during the coronavirus pandemic. [Online] Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/index.htm [Accessed 18 March 2021]. Health and Safety Executive, 2021. Managing and working with asbestos. [Online] Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l143.htm [Accessed 18 March 2021]. Health and Safety Executive, 2021. Risk Assessment. [Online] Available at: https://books.hse.gov.uk/Risk-Assessment/ [Accessed 18 March 2021]. NEBOSH IG2 Exam tips (effective control plan) IG2. 2014 . [Film] Directed by Dr. Wessam Atif. Philippines/Calabarzon: Trainovate. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lssaxAFkgFs&t=282s Bibliography Watterson, A., 2020. COVID-19 in the UK and occupational health and safety: predictable not inevitable failures by government, and trade union and nongovernmental organization responses. NEW SOLUTIONS: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy, 30(2), pp.86-94. Manuele, F.A., 2005. Risk assessment & hierarchies of control. Professional Safety, 50(5), pp.33-39. 4. Know how to identify, assess and control health and safety risks Sen, D., 2015. Working with asbestos and the possible health risks. Occupational Medicine, 65(1), pp.6-14.](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4Pq8FIDKacLhJz7n4plYj_zxdv2VDsCKXjVq6j_LaQ7MtwPGeSmQ5VK0u68eT9B05fZ9y2RQo7L8QmyBenAYilb4LNDPj0Rx-aX628UaSnpHyfjrH_TYXRvRc9FK_kxo5Jb4TLoqqJ_OgTfdADpoyYdDoRpq1SbPQVW3rTdH5DVjwVKgyvdlAjVyX8gj/s1536/hazard%20identification%20and%20risk%20assessments.png)
Communication of Risk Assessments
The outcome of risk assessments are communicated and made available to all interested parties on basis to create awareness of risks and various control measures put in place. In the video (NEBOSH IG2 Exam tips (effective control plan) IG2, 2014 ), Dr. Wessam, proposes an action plan to ensure that all levels of risk control measures employed by the organization are properly evaluated to ensure they are adequate. This takes into account general/specific controls, prevention/mitigation controls, mechanical/non-mechanical hazards and the hierarchy of control. Risk Control measures are therefore applied as part of effective methods in eliminating hazards/risks where practicable. Otherwise additional controls are put in place to reduce risks to promote a safe working environment.
Implementation of Risk Control Measures
The risk control measures are implemented based on specific workplace conditions and additional factors that are identified as having the potential to cause harm. A systematic approach that has been utilized by many organization across the globe and in some cases stipulated in statutory requirements and have to be complied with. In all these, the influence of external factors are also recognized by Senior Management. Some of the external factors are Public Health Issues and Health and Safety Statutory Requirements.
COVID-19 and Public Health Influence
COVID 19 pandemic is an example of a public health and safety issue which has by far affected the way business is conducted in all organization throughout the world. Achieving a COVID-secure workplace as mentioned in (Health and Safety Executive, 2020) requires that employers should undertake a risk assessment considering the infectious nature of the coronavirus and how it can disrupt business operations. COVID 19 alone has led to multiple risk assessments reviews, review of health and safety procedures and change in work systems all targeted at ensuring that new developments are catered for. Physical resources have also been dedicated to compliment control measures which includes reduction of worker population in offices so some can work from home on rotational basis.
Legislation and Risk Control
The risk control measures are also stipulated in legislation and are to be complied with by organizations. For example, when carrying out risk assessments for demolition, the organization amongst other things considers the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The regulation as mentioned in (Health and Safety Executive, 2021) set out minimum standards for protecting employees from risks associated with exposure to asbestos.
Hierarchy of Control
The significance of the hierarchy of control is that it allows the organization to deal with risks in a systematic manner. It allows for a step-by-step approach to eliminating risks which is at the highest level of controlling risks. Reducing risks is also relevant where applicable but in ranks where the highest level of protection and reliability is employed. In order of the hierarchy, the hierarchy of control involves the following;
1. Elimination; Removing used cables from a walkway for proper storage.
2. Substitution; replacing a solvent-based paint with a water-based paint.
3. Engineering; local exhaust ventilation to remove airborne emissions.
4. Administrative; examples include procedural changes, signs and warnings.
5. Personal protective equipment; hard hats, respirators and high-visibility clothing.
Eliminating the hazard and risk is the highest level of control in the hierarchy. But in some cases eliminating a hazard/risk is impossible. This is followed by reducing the risk through substitution. Engineering controls also follow, then reducing the risk through administrative controls. Reducing the risk through the use of protective personal equipment (PPE) is the lowest level of control but also very important as it is usually combined with higher controls to ensure safety. For example, hand gloves may be required to remove a dangerous chemical from the work area and stored for safety. A clear indication of combining the lowest level on the hierarchy to the highest level to remove a hazard.
Challenges in Implementation
A Successful implementation of the hierarchy of control among other control strategies is not always the case. There are some bottlenecks that hinder the effectiveness of control measures. Among these is Poor management commitment which is usually when workers do not see senior management leading by example or when senior managers do not demonstrate the aptitude of clear commitment. There is also the issue of Poor health and safety culture which negatively affects Health and Safety. Lastly, a weak understanding of Health and Safety risk assessments also impact adversely efforts to implement a successful health and safety program for the hierarchy of controls. Hence some form of training may be required. (835 Words)
References
Aaron, 2018. The Importance of Risk Control Measures in the Workplace. [Online]
Available at: https://conserve.com.au/risk-control-measures-in-workplace/
[Accessed 18 March 2021].
Health and Safety Executive, 2020. Making your workplace COVID-secure during the
coronavirus pandemic. [Online]
Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/index.htm
[Accessed 18 March 2021].
Health and Safety Executive, 2021. Managing and working with asbestos. [Online]
Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l143.htm
[Accessed 18 March 2021].
Health and Safety Executive, 2021. Risk Assessment. [Online]
Available at: https://books.hse.gov.uk/Risk-Assessment/
[Accessed 18 March 2021].
NEBOSH IG2 Exam tips (effective control plan) IG2. 2014 . [Film] Directed by Dr. Wessam Atif. Philippines/Calabarzon: Trainovate. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lssaxAFkgFs&t=282s
Bibliography
Watterson, A., 2020. COVID-19 in the UK and occupational health and safety: predictable not inevitable failures by government, and trade union and nongovernmental organization responses. NEW SOLUTIONS: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy, 30(2), pp.86-94.
Manuele, F.A., 2005. Risk assessment & hierarchies of control. Professional Safety, 50(5), pp.33-39.
4. Know how to identify, assess and control health and safety risks
Sen, D., 2015. Working with asbestos and the possible health risks. Occupational
Medicine, 65(1), pp.6-14.
