Workplace Safety Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all workplace activities, including routine and non-routine tasks, maintenance, repair, and cleaning operations. It includes all employees, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by these activities. The assessment considers all areas of the workplace, both on-site and off-site, including home-based work, client sites, and driving routes. It also covers the lifecycle of products, processes, and services, from design and construction to decommissioning. Excluded from this assessment are risks associated with intentional acts of violence or sabotage, which are covered under a separate security risk assessment.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment follows a qualitative approach, utilizing a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings based on likelihood and severity. The methodology includes these steps:

1. Hazard Identification: Identifying potential hazards through workplace inspections, hazard mapping involving employees, review of incident reports, and analysis of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and manufacturer documentation. This involves a team of people familiar with the work area, as well as people who are not to ensure both experienced and fresh eyes conduct inspections and evaluations. 2. Risk Assessment: Assessing the risk associated with each hazard by considering the likelihood of occurrence and the severity of potential harm. Factors considered include the work environment, procedures, foreseeable conditions, exposure frequency and duration, and worker capabilities. 3. Control Measures: Determining and implementing appropriate control measures based on the hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and Personal Protective Equipment). 4. Risk Ranking and Prioritization: Ranking hazards based on their risk rating to prioritize control efforts, with higher-risk hazards addressed first. 5. Review and Monitoring: Establishing a review process for monitoring controls to ensure they remain effective. 6. Documentation and Communication: Documenting the risk assessment process, findings, and control measures, and communicating the results to all relevant personnel. [1] [2] [4] [7] [8]

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	Very Low Risk	Low Risk	Medium Risk
Major	Low Risk	High Risk	High Risk
Moderate	Medium Risk	High Risk	Immediately Dangerous
Minor
Negligible

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Slips, trips, and falls due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstacles in walkways.

Potential Consequences: Minor to severe injuries, including sprains, fractures, contusions, and head trauma.

Affected Persons: Workers, visitors, and members of the public.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Implement a comprehensive housekeeping program to ensure floors are clean and dry and walkways are free of obstructions.
• Provide adequate lighting in all areas, especially walkways and stairwells.
• Use non-slip flooring or apply non-slip coatings to existing floors.
• Install handrails on stairwells.
• Require workers to wear appropriate footwear with good traction.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

2. Manual handling of heavy objects, leading to musculoskeletal injuries.

Potential Consequences: Back injuries, sprains, strains, hernias, and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). [6]

Affected Persons: Workers involved in manual handling tasks.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Eliminate the need for manual handling through the use of mechanical aids such as forklifts, hoists, and dollies.
• Reduce the weight or size of objects being handled.
• Provide training on proper lifting techniques.
• Implement a system for reporting and investigating MSDs.
• Ensure proper workstation design to minimize reaching and bending.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Low

3. Exposure to hazardous chemicals, leading to skin irritation, respiratory problems, or other health effects.

Potential Consequences: Dermatitis, burns, respiratory illness, poisoning, and other acute or chronic health conditions. [3] [4]

Affected Persons: Workers who handle or are exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Substitute hazardous chemicals with less hazardous alternatives.
• Implement engineering controls such as ventilation systems and enclosed processes.
• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, respirators, and eye protection.
• Provide training on the safe handling and use of hazardous chemicals.
• Ensure that Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are readily available and accessible.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

4. Use of machinery and equipment without proper guarding or training, leading to cuts, amputations, or other injuries.

Potential Consequences: Cuts, lacerations, amputations, fractures, and other serious injuries.

Affected Persons: Workers who operate or work near machinery and equipment.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Major	High

Control Measures

• Install machine guards to prevent contact with moving parts.
• Provide training on the safe operation of machinery and equipment.
• Implement a lockout/tagout program to prevent accidental start-up during maintenance or repair.
• Regularly inspect and maintain machinery and equipment.
• Ensure that workers use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

5. Ergonomic hazards due to poor workstation design or repetitive tasks, leading to musculoskeletal disorders.

Potential Consequences: Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, back pain, and other MSDs.

Affected Persons: Workers who perform repetitive tasks or work in poorly designed workstations.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Redesign workstations to minimize reaching, bending, and twisting.
• Provide adjustable chairs and workstations to accommodate different body sizes.
• Implement job rotation or task variation to reduce repetitive motions.
• Provide training on proper posture and ergonomic principles.
• Encourage workers to take frequent breaks and stretch.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Low

6. Electrical hazards, including contact with live wires or faulty equipment, leading to electric shock or burns.

Potential Consequences: Electric shock, burns, cardiac arrest, and death.

Affected Persons: Workers who work with or near electrical equipment.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	Extreme

Control Measures

• De-energize electrical equipment before performing maintenance or repairs.
• Use properly insulated tools and equipment.
• Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in wet locations.
• Provide training on electrical safety.
• Regularly inspect electrical equipment and wiring.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

7. Fire hazards due to flammable materials, ignition sources, or inadequate fire protection measures.

Potential Consequences: Burns, smoke inhalation, property damage, and death.

Affected Persons: Workers, visitors, and members of the public.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	Extreme

Control Measures

• Store flammable materials in approved containers and locations.
• Eliminate ignition sources such as open flames and sparks.
• Install fire detection and suppression systems.
• Provide fire extinguishers and train workers on their use.
• Develop and implement a fire evacuation plan.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

8. Exposure to excessive noise levels, leading to hearing loss.

Potential Consequences: Temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and other auditory problems.

Affected Persons: Workers who work in noisy environments.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Implement engineering controls to reduce noise levels at the source.
• Provide hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) to workers.
• Conduct regular noise monitoring.
• Provide training on the effects of noise exposure and the proper use of hearing protection.
• Implement a hearing conservation program.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Low

9. Workplace violence, including threats, harassment, or physical assault.

Potential Consequences: Physical injuries, psychological trauma, and emotional distress.

Affected Persons: Workers who may be exposed to workplace violence.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Implement a workplace violence prevention program.
• Provide training on conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• Establish procedures for reporting and responding to incidents of workplace violence.
• Improve security measures, such as surveillance cameras and access control systems.
• Provide support services for victims of workplace violence.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

10. Driving-related hazards, including motor vehicle collisions due to distracted driving, fatigue, or adverse weather conditions.

Potential Consequences: Injuries, fatalities, and property damage. [6]

Affected Persons: Workers who drive as part of their job duties.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Implement a safe driving policy.
• Provide training on defensive driving techniques.
• Prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving.
• Ensure that vehicles are properly maintained.
• Schedule adequate rest breaks to prevent fatigue.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

5. General Control Measures

• Implement a comprehensive health and safety program that includes policies, procedures, and training to address identified hazards and risks.
• Conduct regular workplace inspections to identify and correct hazards. [5]
• Provide all workers with appropriate training on hazard recognition, risk assessment, and control measures.
• Ensure that workers have access to and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary. [8]
• Establish a system for reporting and investigating incidents, near misses, and hazards. [2]
• Promote a culture of safety where workers are encouraged to identify and report hazards without fear of reprisal.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Establish and maintain emergency evacuation plans for all areas of the workplace.
• Provide first aid training to designated employees and ensure that first aid supplies are readily available.
• Establish procedures for responding to fires, chemical spills, and other emergencies.
• Conduct regular emergency drills to test the effectiveness of emergency plans.
• Maintain communication systems for notifying employees of emergencies.

7. Training Requirements

• Hazard Recognition Training: All employees should receive training on how to recognize workplace hazards and understand the risks associated with them.
• Safe Lifting Techniques: Workers involved in manual handling tasks should receive training on proper lifting techniques to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
• Hazardous Chemical Handling: Workers who handle hazardous chemicals should receive training on the safe handling, storage, and disposal of these materials.
• Machine Guarding Safety: Workers who operate or work near machinery and equipment should receive training on machine guarding safety and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Emergency Response Procedures: All employees should receive training on emergency response procedures, including evacuation plans, first aid, and fire safety.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident or significant change in workplace conditions or processes.

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Monthly	Safety Officer	Conduct regular workplace inspections to identify and correct hazards.
Performance Indicator	Quarterly	H&S Manager	Track the number of reported incidents, near misses, and hazards.
Audit	Annually	External Consultant	Conduct an annual audit of the health and safety program to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.
Review of Training Records	Annually	Training Coordinator	Review training records to ensure that all employees have received required training.
Review of Emergency Drills	Annually	Safety Officer	Evaluate the effectiveness of emergency drills and make necessary improvements to emergency plans.

9. Special Circumstances

• Adverse weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, ice) can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. [1]
• Night work can increase the risk of accidents due to reduced visibility.
• Lone work can increase the risk of injury or illness due to the lack of immediate assistance. [6]

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 significant change in workplace conditions or processes. or when significant changes occur.

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