Risk

Source excerpt

# Hazard and Risk - General (cont.) ## What is risk? (cont.) These risks are expressed as a probability or likelihood of developing a disease or getting injured, whereas hazard refers to the agent responsible (i.e. smoking). Factors that influence the degree or likelihood of risk are: - the nature of the exposure: how much a person is exposed to a hazardous thing or condition (e.g., several times a day or once a year), - how the person is exposed (e.g., breathing in a vapour, skin contact), and - the severity of the effect. For example, one substance may cause skin cancer, while another may cause skin irritation. Cancer is a much more serious effect than irritation. ## What is a risk assessment? Risk assessment is the process where you: - Identify hazards and risk factors that have the potential to cause harm (hazard identification). - Analyze and evaluate the risk associated with that hazard (risk analysis, and risk evaluation). - Determine appropriate ways to eliminate the hazard, or control the risk when the hazard cannot be eliminated (risk control). The OSH Answers document on Risk Assessment has details on how to conduct an assessment and establish priorities. ## Are there other terms used to describe these processes? It is common to see the process of identifying hazards and assessing the corresponding risk to be described in various ways, including "hazard assessment", "hazard and risk assessment", "all hazards risk assessment", etc. Regardless of the terminology used, the critical steps are to make sure the workplace has taken a systematic approach that looks for any hazards (existing or potential), has take appropriate steps to determine the level of risk of these hazards, and then taken measures to control the risk or eliminate the hazard. Documentation from CCOHS will use the terms "hazard identification and "risk assessment" to describe the process of first looking for hazards, then determining the level of risk from that hazard. Hazar…

Source excerpt

# How is a risk assessment done? (cont.) ## Field-level Risk Assessment (cont.) The purpose of a field-level risk assessment is to identify, assess, and manage hazards and risks in real-time or on-site as work progresses, with a focus on ensuring the safety of workers. Field- level risk assessments are often completed in addition to formal risk assessments that have already been done before that specific day. Field-level risk assessments can also supplement safety meetings with teams as you work together through a common task, highlighting hazards and control measures that are currently in place. It can also be a good opportunity to brainstorm additional controls or better ways to complete the task. These risk assessments can help continue the safety conversation and avoid complacency. Similar to other risk assessments, each step of the task should be written down and hazards identified. The risk of each hazard can then be assessed based on the likelihood and severity of harm. Then, the team will determine if the current controls in place are adequate, or if further measures are needed prior to work beginning. An example of a table that may assist with a field- level risk assessment is shown in Table 4. Risk matrices similar to those in Table 2 or Table 3 can also be used to assess the risk for each hazard. Table 4: Field-level risk assessment Job or work activity being assessed: <table><tr><th>Step/task description</th><th>Hazards</th><th>Risk</th><th>Priority</th><th>Current controls</th><th>Recommended controls</th></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table> ## What are methods of hazard control? Once you have established the priorities, the organization can decide on ways to control each specific hazard. Hazard control methods are often grouped into the following categories: - Elimination. - Substitution. - Engineering controls. - Administrative controls. …

Source excerpt

# Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment (cont.) ## What is a risk assessment? (cont.) Risk - the combination of probability and severity that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard. Risk can also be applied to situations with property or equipment damage, or harmful effects on the environment. Probability - the extent to which an event is likely to occur. The probability of harm may also be referenced as the likelihood of harm. Severity - the seriousness of an incident, injury, or illness. Severity, or consequence, describes the highest level of damage possible from a hazard and is often described in terms such as catastrophic, critical, moderate, minor, or negligible. In general, risk can be expressed as: Risk = probability X severity Hazard control - control measure(s) and action(s) taken to reduce the risk of a hazard based on the risk assessment. Hazard control should also include monitoring, re- evaluation, and compliance with decisions (the term "controls" or "control measures" are also used and have the same meaning). Recommending or determining hazard controls may be incorporated into the risk assessment process, or completed separately following a risk assessment. For definitions and more information about what hazards and risks are, please see the OSH Answers document Hazard and Risk. ## Why is risk assessment important? Risk assessments are very important as they form an integral part of an occupational health and safety management plan. They help to: - Create awareness of hazards and risks. - Identify who may be at risk (e.g., workers, cleaners, visitors, contractors, the public, etc.). - Determine whether a control program is required for a particular hazard. - Determine if existing control measures are adequate or if more should be done. Prevent injuries - or illnesses, especially when done at the design or planning stage. - Prioritize hazards and control measures. - Meet legal requirements …

Source excerpt

# Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment (cont.) ## What is the goal of risk assessment? (cont.) a. What can happen, and under what circumstances? b. What are the possible consequences? C. How likely are the possible consequences to occur? d. How severe are the possible consequences? e. Has an adequate level of risk reduction been achieved, or is further action required? ## When should a risk assessment be done? There may be many reasons a risk assessment is needed, including: - Before new processes or activities are introduced. - Before changes are introduced to existing processes or activities, including when products, machinery, tools, or equipment change. - When new information concerning harm becomes available. - When hazards are identified. - Before working in a new environment. - When new information on hazard controls or good practices becomes available. - Before performing maintenance or commissioning of equipment - Before completing routine or non-routine tasks. - When the legislation requires a risk assessment to be done. ## How do you plan for a risk assessment? In general, determine: - What the scope of your risk assessment will be (e.g., be specific about what you are assessing such as the lifetime of the product, the physical area where the work activity takes place, or the types of hazards). - The resources needed (e.g., training a team of individuals to carry out the assessment, the types of information sources, etc.). - What type of risk analysis measures will be used (e.g., how exact the scale or parameters need to be in order to provide the most relevant evaluation)? - Who are the stakeholders involved (e.g., manager, supervisors, workers, worker representatives, suppliers, etc.). - What relevant laws, regulations, codes, or standards may apply in your jurisdiction, as well as organizational policies and procedures? Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment CCOHS

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Hazard and Risk # Hazard and Risk - General ## On this page What is a hazard? What are examples of a hazard? What is risk? What is a risk assessment? Are there other terms used to describe these processes? What is an adverse health effect? Will exposure to hazards in the workplace always cause injury, illness or other adverse health effects? What types of hazards are there? ## What is a hazard? The meaning of the word hazard can be confusing. Often dictionaries do not give specific definitions or combine it with the term "risk". For example, one dictionary defines hazard as "a danger or risk" which helps explain why many people use the terms interchangeably. There are many definitions for hazard but the most common definition when talking about workplace health and safety is: A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone. Basically, a hazard is the potential for harm or an adverse effect (for example, to people as health effects, to organizations as property or equipment losses, or to the environment). Sometimes the resulting harm is referred to as the hazard instead of the actual source of the hazard. For example, the disease tuberculosis (TB) might be called a "hazard" by some but, in general, the TB-causing bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) would be considered the "hazard" or "hazardous biological agent". What are examples of a hazard? Hazard and Risk - General CCOHS

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Hazard and Risk # Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment ## On this page What is a risk assessment? Why is risk assessment important? What is the goal of risk assessment? When should a risk assessment be done? How do you plan for a risk assessment? How is a risk assessment done? How are the hazards identified? How do you know if the hazard will cause harm (poses a risk)? How are risks ranked or prioritized? What risk assessment methods should be used? What are methods of hazard control? Why is it important to review and monitor the assessments? What documentation should be done for a risk assessment? ## What is a risk assessment? Risk assessment is a term used to describe the overall process or method where of identifying hazards, assessing the risk of hazards, and prioritizing hazards associated with a specific activity, task, or job. It considers the probability or likelihood of harm from exposure and the potential consequence or severity of harm from exposure to a hazard. A risk assessment is a thorough look at your workplace to identify those things, situations, processes, etc. that may cause harm, particularly to people. After the identification of a hazard, it should be reviewed to determine how likely and severe the potential harm is. When this determination is made, you can decide what measures should be in place to effectively eliminate or control the harm from happening (hazard control). Some important terms related to risk assessments include: Hazard - a potential source of injury, adverse health effect, or damage to people, structures, equipment, or the environment. A common way to classify hazards is to categorize them as biological, chemical, ergonomic, physical, psychosocial, and safety hazards. Hazard identification - the process of finding, listing, and characterizing hazards. Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment CCOHS

Source excerpt

# Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification (cont.) ## How do I know what is a hazard? (cont.) Where # can I find more information about hazards? It may be necessary to research what could be a hazard as well as how much harm that hazard might cause. Sources of information include: - Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). - Manufacturer's operating instructions, manuals, etc. - Test or monitor for exposure (occupational hygiene testing such as chemical or noise exposure). - Results of any job safety analysis. - Experiences of other organizations similar to yours. - Trade or safety associations. - Information, publications, alerts, etc., published by reputable organizations, labour unions, or government agencies. - Subject matter experts, stakeholders, and workers. - Physical demands analysis, job demands analysis. - Past experiences, statistics, and incident reports. ## What if I am new to the task or the workplace? If you are new to that task or to your workplace, to learn about the hazards of your job, you can: - Ask your supervisor. - Ask a member of the health and safety committee or your health and safety representative. - Ask about standard operating procedures and precautions for your job. - Check product labels and safety data sheets. - Pay attention to signs and other warnings in your work. - Watch for posters or instructions at the entrance of a chemical storage room that warn of hazardous products. - Ask about operating instructions, safe work procedures, processes, etc. Ask to review the risk assessment and relevant procedures before starting work. Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification CCOHS

Source excerpt

# Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification (cont.) ## What types of hazards are there? (cont.) - Biological - bacteria, viruses, fungi, insects, plants, and animals. - Chemical - depends on the physical, chemical, and toxic properties of the product - Ergonomic - repetitive movements, improper setup of workstations, etc. - Physical - radiation, magnetic fields, temperature extremes, pressure extremes (high pressure or vacuum), noise, vibration, etc. - Psychosocial - stress, violence, harassment, etc. - Safety. - slipping or tripping hazards, inappropriate machine guarding, equipment malfunctions or breakdowns. ## How do I know what is a hazard? Another way to look at health and safety in your workplace is to ask yourself the following questions. These are examples only. You may find other items or situations that can be a hazard. List any item that should be examined. During the risk assessment process, the level of harm will be assessed. What materials or situations do I come into contact with? Possibilities could include: - Electricity. - Chemicals (liquids, gases, solids, mists, vapours, etc.). - Temperature extremes of heat or cold (such as working outdoors, bakeries, foundries, or meat processing). - lonizing and non-ionizing radiation (such as x-rays, ultraviolet (sun) rays). - Asphyxiants (oxygen deficiency) - Working on or near water or ice-covered water. What materials or equipment could I be struck by? - Moving objects (such as forklifts, overhead cranes, vehicles). - Flying objects (such as sparks or shards from grinding). - Falling material (such as tools and equipment from above). What objects or equipment could strike or hit my body, or that part of my body might be caught in, on, or between? - Stationary or moving objects. - Protruding objects. - Sharp or jagged edges. Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification CCOHS

Source excerpt

# Why is it important to review and monitor the assessments? It is important to know if your risk assessment was complete and accurate. It is also essential to be sure that any changes in the workplace have not introduced new hazards or changed hazards that were once ranked as lower priorities to higher priorities. It is good practice to review your assessment on a regular basis to make sure your control methods are effective. ## What documentation should be done for a risk assessment? It is very important to keep records of your assessment and any control actions taken. You may be required to store assessments for a specific number of years. Check for local requirements in your jurisdiction. The level of documentation or record keeping will depend on: - Level of risk involved. - Legislated requirements. - Requirements of any management systems that may be in place. Your records should show that you: - Conducted a good hazard review. - Determined the risks of those hazards. - Implemented control measures suitable for the risk. - Reviewed and monitored all hazards in the workplace. Fact sheet last revised: 2025-03-12 ## Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment CCOHS

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety + Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Hazard and Risk # Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification ## On this page What is a hazard? What is hazard identification? When should hazard identification be done? How are hazards identified? What types of hazards are there? How do I know what is a hazard? Where can I find more information about hazards? What if I am new to the task or the workplace? ## What is a hazard? There are many definitions of hazard, but the most common definition when talking about workplace health and safety is "A hazard is any source of potential damage or harm to someone or something." The CSA Z1002 Standard "Occupational health and safety - Hazard identification and elimination and risk assessment and control" uses the following terms: - Harm - physical injury or damage to health. - Hazard - a potential source of harm to a worker. Basically, a hazard is the potential for harm or an adverse effect (for example, to people as health effects, to organizations as property or equipment losses, or to the environment). Please see the OSH Answers fact sheet on Hazard and Risk for more information. ## What is hazard identification? Hazard identification is part of the process used to evaluate if any particular situation, item, or thing may have the potential to cause harm. The term often used to describe the full process is risk assessment: Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification CCOHS