Risk Assessment for Situations with Uncertainty

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment addresses the procedures for identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential hazards in situations where uncertainty exists. It includes all work activities where potential hazards are not immediately obvious or predictable. This assessment excludes situations covered by existing specific risk assessments.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment uses a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk levels. Likelihood is rated from Rare to Almost Certain, and Severity from Negligible to Catastrophic. The risk rating is determined by the intersection of likelihood and severity, resulting in a rating of Low, Medium, High, or Extreme. Control measures are selected based on the hierarchy of controls: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering controls, Administrative controls, and PPE.

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Unidentified hazards due to lack of information or changing conditions.

Potential Consequences: Injury, illness, or property damage due to unforeseen events.

Affected Persons: All workers, visitors, and the public.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Conduct thorough hazard assessments before starting work.
• Use a 'what-if' analysis to identify potential hazards.
• Implement a change management process to address new hazards.
• Ensure workers are trained to recognize and report potential hazards.
• Establish clear communication channels for reporting hazards.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

2. Slips, trips, and falls due to unexpected obstacles or uneven surfaces.

Potential Consequences: Sprains, fractures, or other injuries from falls.

Affected Persons: All workers, visitors, and the public.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Maintain good housekeeping practices.
• Provide adequate lighting.
• Use slip-resistant footwear.
• Mark or remove tripping hazards.
• Implement a fall protection plan where applicable.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

3. Equipment malfunction due to unforeseen mechanical or electrical issues.

Potential Consequences: Injury to operator or bystanders, equipment damage.

Affected Persons: Equipment operators, maintenance personnel, bystanders.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Regular equipment inspections and maintenance.
• Pre-use equipment checks.
• Proper training on equipment operation.
• Lockout/Tagout procedures for maintenance.
• Emergency shut-off mechanisms.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

4. Exposure to hazardous substances due to unknown materials or unexpected reactions.

Potential Consequences: Skin irritation, respiratory problems, or other health issues.

Affected Persons: Workers handling materials, nearby personnel.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Use appropriate PPE (gloves, respirators, eye protection).
• Provide adequate ventilation.
• Implement hazardous communication program.
• Proper labeling and storage of chemicals.
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) readily available.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. Falls from heights due to unforeseen circumstances.

Potential Consequences: Serious injury or death.

Affected Persons: Workers at height.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	High

Control Measures

• Use fall protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards).
• Ensure proper anchorage points.
• Provide guardrails or safety nets.
• Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment.
• Establish a fall protection plan.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

5. General Control Measures

• Conduct daily toolbox talks to discuss potential hazards and safety precautions.

Supervisors should lead toolbox talks at the start of each shift.

• Maintain a clean and organized work environment to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Regular housekeeping should be performed throughout the day.

• Ensure all workers are trained on hazard recognition and risk assessment techniques.

Training should be documented and refreshed periodically.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Establish emergency contact list with phone numbers for key personnel, emergency services, and local hospitals.
• Conduct regular drills (fire, evacuation) to ensure workers are familiar with emergency procedures.

7. Training Requirements

• Hazard Recognition Training: All employees must be trained to recognize potential hazards in the workplace, including those that are not immediately obvious. This training should cover techniques for identifying hazards and assessing risks.
• Fall Protection Training: Workers who are exposed to fall hazards must receive training on the proper use of fall protection equipment, including harnesses, lanyards, and anchorage points. Training should also cover fall protection plans and relevant regulations.
• Equipment-Specific Training: Operators of equipment must be trained on the safe operation of the equipment, including pre-use inspections, emergency shut-off procedures, and potential hazards associated with the equipment.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Weekly	Safety Officer	Conduct weekly inspections of the work area to identify potential hazards and ensure control measures are in place.
Performance Indicator	Monthly	Safety Manager	Track the number of reported hazards and near misses to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Audit	Annually	External Auditor	Conduct an annual audit of the safety management system to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.

9. Special Circumstances

• Weather conditions (wind, rain, ice) can significantly increase the risk of certain hazards. Work should be suspended during adverse weather conditions. [1]
• Night work reduces visibility and increases the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
• Lone work increases the risk of delayed response in case of an emergency. Implement a buddy system or regular check-in procedures.

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 incident or when significant changes occur.

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