To create a Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) document for Amazon Fulfillment Centers (FCs) in Germany, ensure compliance with local safety regulations and Amazon's safety standards by following these steps:

1. Assemble a risk assessment team with a good working knowledge of the Fulfillment Centers, including supervisors, workers, and health and safety representatives. Consult with the health and safety committee.
2. Select the job or process to be assessed, prioritizing tasks with higher injury rates or worker concerns.
3. Break down the job or process into specific tasks to identify hazards in each step.
4. Identify hazards for each task through observations, inspections, incident reports, and feedback from workers. Consider routine and non-routine activities, including maintenance and cleaning.
5. Assess the risk of each hazard by determining the likelihood and severity of potential harm. Use a risk assessment method appropriate for the workplace, considering normal and non-standard situations like emergencies or weather events. Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and manufacturer's literature.
6. Control the risk of each hazard using the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or reduce risk.
7. Evaluate the effectiveness of controls through a review process to ensure they remain effective.
8. Communicate the results of the risk assessment to workers, supervisors, and other involved individuals. Ensure workers are aware of hazards and controls. Keep records of the assessment process, evaluations, and conclusions.

[2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] A risk assessment should be conducted before introducing new processes, activities, or changes to existing ones, when new hazard information becomes available, before working in a new environment, or when legislation requires it. [1] [1] [1] [1] [1]

To identify hazards, consider all aspects of the work, including routine and non-routine activities, incidents, near-miss reports, and include people who work off-site. Look at the way work is organized, unusual conditions, and potential changes to equipment. [4] [4] [4] [3] [3] [3] [3]

When assessing risk, consider the work environment, procedures, foreseeable conditions, how the hazard may cause harm, frequency and amount of exposure, and the skills and experience of workers. Also, consider individual factors like age, disabilities, and pregnancy. [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6]

To rank and prioritize risks, consider the probability of exposure and the potential severity of incidents. Establish a priority list to determine which hazards to control first. [7] [7]

Hazard control methods should follow this order: 1. Elimination 2. Substitution 3. Engineering controls 4. Administrative controls 5. Personal protective equipment [5]

Regularly review the risk assessment to ensure it remains accurate and that control methods are effective. Monitor for any changes in the workplace that may introduce new hazards or change the priority of existing ones. [8] [8]

Maintain records of the assessment, risks, and control actions taken. The level of documentation depends on the risk involved, legal requirements, and management systems in place. Records should demonstrate a good hazard review, risk determination, suitable control measures, and monitoring of workplace hazards. [8] [8] [8]

A field-level risk assessment (FLRA) should be used to identify and manage hazards in real-time as work progresses. This assessment supplements formal risk assessments and safety meetings, highlighting hazards and control measures. [5]

Remember to customize any sample risk assessment forms to fit the specific needs of your workplace.

Ensure that the risk assessment team is competent and has good knowledge of the hazards being assessed, potential situations, and appropriate protective measures. [4]