Site-Specific Hazard Risk Assessment
Assessment Date: [DATE]
Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]
Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]
Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]
1. Assessment Scope
This risk assessment covers all site-specific activities and operations, including but not limited to: equipment operation, maintenance, material handling, and general site access. It excludes office-based administrative tasks that do not involve physical interaction with site hazards.
2. Risk Assessment Methodology
This risk assessment employs a qualitative 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk levels. The matrix combines likelihood and severity to produce a risk rating of Low, Medium, High, or Extreme. Control measures are selected based on the hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, PPE) to reduce risks to acceptable levels.
3. Risk Matrix Reference
The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:
| Likelihood | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rare | Unlikely | Possible | Likely | Almost Certain | ||
| Severity | Catastrophic | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
| Major | Low | Medium | Medium | High | Extreme | |
| Moderate | Medium | Medium | High | Extreme | Extreme | |
| Minor | Medium | High | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | |
| Negligible | Low | Medium | High | Extreme | Extreme |
4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation
1. Working at heights without adequate fall protection.
Potential Consequences: Falls from heights can result in serious injuries, including fractures, head trauma, or fatalities.
Affected Persons: Workers, contractors, visitors
Initial Risk Assessment
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Possible | Major | High |
Control Measures
- Eliminate the need to work at heights whenever possible.
- Use engineering controls such as guardrails and safety nets.
- Implement administrative controls such as fall protection plans and permits.
- Ensure workers use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as harnesses and lanyards.
Residual Risk Assessment
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Unlikely | Moderate | Low |
2. Exposure to hazardous chemicals without proper controls.
Potential Consequences: Chemical exposure can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, burns, or long-term health effects.
Affected Persons: Workers, visitors
Initial Risk Assessment
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Likely | Moderate | High |
Control Measures
- Eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals by substituting with safer alternatives.
- Implement engineering controls such as ventilation systems and enclosed processes.
- Use administrative controls such as chemical handling procedures and training.
- Ensure workers use appropriate PPE such as gloves, respirators, and eye protection.
Residual Risk Assessment
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Unlikely | Minor | Low |
3. Operation of machinery without proper guarding.
Potential Consequences: Contact with moving parts of machinery can cause cuts, crushing injuries, amputations, or death.
Affected Persons: Workers
Initial Risk Assessment
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Possible | Major | High |
Control Measures
- Install and maintain machine guards to prevent access to moving parts.
- Implement lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance and repair.
- Provide training on safe machinery operation.
- Ensure workers use appropriate PPE such as safety glasses and gloves.
Residual Risk Assessment
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Unlikely | Moderate | Low |
4. Slips, trips, and falls due to poor housekeeping.
Potential Consequences: Slips, trips, and falls can result in sprains, fractures, bruises, or head injuries.
Affected Persons: Workers, contractors, visitors
Initial Risk Assessment
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Likely | Minor | Medium |
Control Measures
- Implement regular housekeeping procedures to keep walkways clear and dry.
- Provide adequate lighting.
- Use slip-resistant flooring.
- Ensure workers wear appropriate footwear.
Residual Risk Assessment
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Unlikely | Negligible | Low |
5. Manual handling of heavy materials.
Potential Consequences: Manual handling can cause musculoskeletal injuries such as back strains, sprains, and hernias.
Affected Persons: Workers
Initial Risk Assessment
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Possible | Moderate | Medium |
Control Measures
- Eliminate the need for manual handling by using mechanical aids such as forklifts or cranes.
- Reduce the weight or size of materials being handled.
- Provide training on proper lifting techniques.
- Implement administrative controls such as job rotation and rest breaks.
Residual Risk Assessment
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Unlikely | Minor | Low |
5. General Control Measures
- All workers must participate in a site-specific safety orientation before commencing any work.
Orientation should cover site rules, hazard communication, emergency procedures, and worker rights.
- Regular housekeeping must be maintained to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
This includes clearing walkways, managing spills, and proper waste disposal.
- All equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Inspection records must be kept and any defective equipment must be taken out of service until repaired.
6. Emergency Preparedness
- In the event of a fire, all personnel must evacuate to the designated assembly point and follow the emergency evacuation plan.
- For chemical spills, the site's spill response plan must be immediately activated, including containment, cleanup, and reporting procedures.
- In case of serious injury, immediately call emergency services and provide first aid until help arrives. Document the incident and conduct a thorough investigation.
7. Training Requirements
- Fall Protection Training: Workers who work at heights must receive comprehensive training on fall hazards, fall protection systems, and proper use of equipment.
- Hazard Communication Training: Workers who handle hazardous chemicals must receive training on chemical hazards, SDSs, and safe handling procedures.
- Lockout/Tagout Training: Workers who perform maintenance or repair on machinery must receive training on lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental startup.
8. Monitoring and Review
Review Frequency: Annually, or after any significant change in processes, equipment, or incidents.
| Monitoring Type | Frequency | Responsible Party | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Inspection | Weekly | Site Supervisor | Conduct weekly site safety inspections to identify hazards and ensure controls are in place and effective. |
| Performance Indicator | Monthly | Safety Manager | Track and analyze incident rates, near misses, and safety observations to identify trends and areas for improvement. |
| Audit | Annually | External Auditor | Conduct an annual safety audit to assess compliance with safety regulations and the effectiveness of the safety management system. |
9. Special Circumstances
- Adverse weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, ice) can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Implement additional controls such as increased housekeeping and use of salt or sand.
- Night work can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. Ensure adequate lighting is provided and workers are trained on night work safety procedures.
- Lone work can delay emergency response in case of an accident. Implement a buddy system or use a lone worker monitoring system.
Approval and Sign-off
This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:
Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________
Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________
Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________
This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any significant change in processes, equipment, or incidents. or when significant changes occur.
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