Factors To Be Considered In Specific Risk Assessments

Every business is different, and as a result, each business faces different risks. When it comes to risk assessment, it’s essential to consider all possible factors that could impact your company. This blog post will provide examples of specific factors you should consider when assessing risk. You can create a more targeted risk management strategy by understanding the various elements that can threaten your business.

Factors to be considered in specific risk assessments

Risk Of A Slip, Trip Or Fall

Slips, trips, and falls are the second most common type of accident in most places of work. The risk depends on the following:

• the premises are kept clean, tidy and uncluttered
• the flooring and stairs being kept in good repair, and the type of flooring used
• the control of other trip hazards
• the quality of the lighting
• spillages of liquid being cleaned promptly

The extent of injury may vary from relatively minor to severe, depending on various factors, including the nature of the fall, whether at the level or from a height. 

Risk Of Being Struck By A Forklift Truck

Vehicles in the workplace are a risk to other employees on foot. The risk is a combination of the chance that someone will be struck and the likely severity of the injury. This will depend on the following:

• Whether pedestrians use walkways which keep them away from moving fork-trucks
• The number of pedestrians and fork-lift trucks using the same areas
• The training and instruction provided to both drivers and pedestrians
• The degree of supervision and enforcement of safe procedures (e.g. for separating pedestrians and forklifts)
• The mechanical condition of the fork-lift truck (e.g. brakes and flashing beacons)
• The wearing of high-visibility PPE

The extent of the injury is likely to be severe and may result in death or disability.

Isocyanate Paint Risk Assessment

Paints containing isocyanates are a health hazard. The material safety data sheet and the label on the paint container give this information. Breathing in isocyanate fumes can cause asthma. The risk is a combination of the chance that someone’s lungs will be damaged and the extent of the likely damage. This will depend on the following:

• The amount of isocyanate in the air
• How often is the job done (all day, every day, or once or twice a year)
• The work method – how the paint is used (e.g. if it is sprayed, the risk will be greater than if brushed on)
• The number of people that could be affected. (Does just one person work with the paint or do many? Could their work affect others?)
• What could go wrong (the errors that could lead to spillage and atmospheric emissions)
• The adequacy of precautions, such as exhaust ventilation and personal protective equipment. (Do they comply with the legal requirements? How do they compare with good practice and national or ‘trade’ guidance?)

The extent of the likely damage is severe. An employee could develop asthma, which might make him or her unemployable in that industry.

Risk of electric shock

Electricity in the workplace is a risk to employees. The risk is a combination of the chance that someone will be shocked and the likely severity of the injury. This will depend on:

• The type and condition of wiring, including whether it is insulated correctly or has worn through
• Whether all electrical equipment has been tested regularly and maintained in good condition
• Whether employees have been trained in the safe use of electrical equipment and unplugging it when not in use
• The extent of the injury is likely to be severe, with burns that may lead to permanent disability.

Noise Risk Assessment

Noise in the workplace is a health hazard as it can damage hearing or cause other ill health effects. The risk is a combination of the chance that someone’s hearing will be damaged and the likely extent of the damage. This will depend on the following:

• The level and duration of noise exposure
• The type and design of equipment used
• Whether employees wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as ear defenders
• Whether employees have been properly trained in the safe use of noisy equipment
• The extent of the likely damage is severe and may result in hearing loss, tinnitus or both. This can lead to permanent disability.

Falling Object Risk Assessment

Objects falling from a height can be dangerous. The risk of such an incident is related to the likelihood of someone being struck and the likely severity of the injury. This will depend on the following:

• The height at which objects are stored or handled above ground
• Whether any safety measures have been put in place to prevent objects from falling
• Whether employees have been appropriately trained in the safe handling of objects at height
• The extent of the injury is likely to be severe, with fractures or more serious head and spinal injuries possible. There is also a risk of fatality in some cases.

Machinery Risk Assessment

Incorrectly used machinery can cause serious injury or death. The risk is a combination of the chance that someone will be injured and the likely severity of the injury. This will depend on the following:

• The type and condition of the machinery
• Whether employees have been trained in its safe use
• Whether it is adequately guarded to prevent access to moving parts
• The extent of the injury is likely to be severe, with amputations, fractures and other serious injuries possible. There is also a risk of fatality in some cases.

Fire Risk Assessment

A fire in the workplace can cause harm to employees and lead to property damage. The risk of a fire occurring is related to the chance it will start and how quickly it will spread. This will depend on the following:

• The type, design and condition of the building
• Whether any precautions have been taken to prevent fires from starting or spreading, such as fire doors and sprinkler systems
• Whether employees have been trained in the use of firefighting equipment
• The extent of the damage is likely to be severe, with the potential for property damage, injury and even death.

These are just a few risks that must be considered when assessing workplace safety. It is essential to consider all potential hazards and identify suitable control measures to reduce the risk of harm to employees. Employers should ensure they comply with legal requirements and good practice guidelines when doing so.

Conclusion

Workplace safety is a complex and ever-changing field, but employers must take appropriate steps to protect their employees from harm. By conducting regular risk assessments and implementing suitable control measures, employers can ensure their workplaces are as safe as possible. When making decisions about workplace safety, employers should consider the legal requirements and follow good practice guidelines.