Write a risk assessment for Write a risk assessment and a method statement for infrastructure
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Published by SALUSA suitable RAMS for infrastructure works should be built around a task-by-task risk assessment, a documented safe system of work, competent supervision, and continuous review as site conditions change. Start with a baseline survey of the workplace, work processes, tasks, and equipment; then break each activity into steps, identify hazards, sources, exposed persons, likelihood, and severity, and assign a risk priority so that high-risk work is stopped until effective controls are in place. Reassess whenever the job changes, new equipment is introduced, an accident occurs, or site conditions materially change. [3] [9] [1]
- Typical infrastructure-work hazards to assess include: excavation collapse, buried/overhead utilities, plant movement, lifting operations, struck-by and caught-between hazards, traffic interface, falls into excavations or from edges, manual handling, noise, dust including respirable silica, vibration, hazardous substances, flooding or water ingress, unstable ground, poor lighting, adverse weather, and public interface.
- For each task step, record the hazard type, hazard source, body parts at risk, severity, probability, risk code, and control method.
- Use the hierarchy of controls first: eliminate the hazard where possible, then engineering controls, work-practice controls, administrative controls, and PPE last.
- Suspend any activity assessed as high risk until the hazard is eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level.
[9] [2] [1] A practical safe system of work for infrastructure projects should include pre-start planning, permits, utility verification, competent operators, exclusion zones, inspection regimes, communication arrangements, and emergency readiness.
- Before work starts: review drawings and utility records, obtain permits, complete site-specific RAMS, brief the workforce, confirm competencies, inspect access/egress, and verify emergency arrangements.
- During work: maintain supervision, segregate pedestrians and plant, enforce exclusion zones, control access to excavations and lifting areas, monitor weather and ground conditions, and stop work if conditions deviate from the RAMS.
- After changes or incidents: review the assessment, update controls, re-brief affected workers, and document the revision.
[5] [10] Task-specific risk controls for common infrastructure activities:
- Excavation and trenching: locate and isolate underground services before breaking ground; use a permit-to-dig; provide suitable support, battering, or trench boxes based on soil and depth; keep spoil and plant back from the edge; provide safe access/egress; inspect excavations at the start of shift and after rain, vibration, or ground disturbance; prevent falls with barriers; control water ingress and atmospheric hazards where relevant.
- Lifting operations: use a lift plan for routine and complex lifts; verify crane/excavator lifting capacity, ground bearing pressure, outrigger support, and certified lifting accessories; appoint competent operator, slinger/signaller, and supervisor; establish exclusion zones; never allow personnel under suspended loads; control wind and visibility limits.
- Plant and equipment: use only inspected and suitable plant; complete pre-use checks; ensure guards, alarms, cameras, lights, and emergency stops function; separate reversing plant from pedestrians; isolate and lock out equipment before maintenance.
- Traffic management: implement a traffic management plan with designated routes, barriers, signage, speed limits, banksmen where needed, delivery controls, and protected pedestrian walkways; coordinate with public-road requirements where works interface with live traffic.
- Temporary works and work at height: verify design and inspection of shoring, edge protection, covers, and access systems; protect openings; use fall prevention before fall arrest.
- Environmental and occupational health controls: suppress dust, manage noise and vibration, control runoff and contamination, store fuels/chemicals safely, and use SDS information for hazardous substances.
[3] [3] [9] Construction health and safety requirements should include competent persons, induction and task briefing, permit-to-work controls, inspections, welfare, housekeeping, incident reporting, and worker involvement in hazard review.
- Provide site induction covering hazards, emergency arrangements, traffic routes, utilities, welfare, and reporting lines.
- Use permits for high-risk activities such as excavation, lifting, hot work, confined spaces, and electrical isolation where applicable.
- Ensure workers are trained, supervised, and fit for task; verify licenses/certificates for plant operators and lifting personnel.
- Maintain good housekeeping, lighting, access routes, and material storage to reduce slips, trips, fire load, and struck-by risks.
- Carry out regular inspections and involve workers in reviewing job steps, hazards, and practical controls.
[10] [4] PPE for infrastructure works should be selected only after higher-order controls are considered, and it must match the hazard, fit the worker, and be maintained in safe condition.
- Typical minimum site PPE: safety helmet, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, and task-appropriate gloves and eye protection.
- Additional PPE based on assessment: hearing protection, respiratory protection, face shield, cut-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, fall protection, flotation devices near water, weather protection, and arc-rated/electrical PPE where electrical hazards exist.
- Head protection is needed where there are overhead objects that could fall, exposed low beams, or energized electrical equipment.
- Fall protection is needed where there are unguarded surfaces above a lower level or above dangerous equipment.
- Torso protection may include high-visibility garments, flame-resistant clothing, chemical-resistant coveralls, or insulated clothing depending on the hazard.
- Hand protection should be selected for mechanical, chemical, thermal, or electrical hazards and matched to the specific exposure.
[2] [6] [7] [8] [11] [12] Emergency procedures in the RAMS should cover rescue, first aid, fire, utility strike, trench collapse, plant collision, lifting incident, hazardous substance exposure, severe weather, and evacuation. The document should define alarm methods, emergency contacts, nearest hospital, site access for responders, rescue equipment, spill kits, fire extinguishers, and who is authorized to stop work. For excavations, plan non-entry rescue where possible and never allow unplanned rescue attempts into an unsafe trench or confined space. All incidents, near misses, and significant changes should trigger review of the RAMS and re-briefing. [5] [4]
For compliance, the RAMS should demonstrate that hazards have been assessed, controls selected using the hierarchy of controls, PPE decisions communicated to affected workers, and the assessment reviewed and documented as required by the applicable jurisdiction. The cited documents specifically reference Oregon OSHA and Washington L\&I/WAC-based PPE assessment approaches, including certification of the hazard assessment, employee communication, fit, use, and periodic reassessment. For infrastructure works, you should also ensure compliance with the applicable construction, excavation, lifting, traffic-management, utility, environmental, and emergency-planning laws and codes in the country/state where the project is executed. [6] [6] [10] [6]
In practice, a concise RAMS structure for infrastructure works should include: scope of works; sequence of operations; roles and responsibilities; plant, tools, and materials; competency requirements; hazard identification and risk ratings; task-specific controls; permits; PPE; inspection and maintenance requirements; traffic management; lifting and excavation controls; environmental controls; emergency arrangements; and monitoring/review arrangements.
Sources used for this answer
[1] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Assessment Tool
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Hazard assessment worksheet: Eye and face protection (cont.) ## PPE required (cont.) OSHA Oregon OSHA Department of Consumer and Business Services # Hazard assessment worksheet: Head protection Salem Central Office [redacted street address]. NE Salem, OR [redacted postal code] Phone: [redacted phone] Toll-free: [redacted phone] osha.oregon.gov Work task: Date ## Potential hazards No hazards requiring head protection Overhead objects that could fall Exposed pipes or beams (less than 6.5 feet overhead) Energized electrical equipment Other hazard: <table><tr><th>PPE required</th></tr><tr><td>None required</td></tr><tr><td>Impact Type I</td></tr><tr><td>Impact Type II</td></tr><tr><td>Electrical Class G (general)</td></tr><tr><td>Electrical Class E (electrical)</td></tr><tr><td>Electrical Class C (conductive)</td></tr><tr><td>Other PPE:</td></tr></table> 440-5871 (07/23/COM)
[2] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Option 2 <table><tr><th></th><th></th><th colspan="5">Job Hazard Analysis Matrix</th></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Severity of Injury</td><td colspan="5">Probability of an Accident Occurring</td></tr><tr><td>Level</td><td>Description</td><td>A Frequent</td><td>B Several Times</td><td>C Occasional</td><td>D Possible</td><td>E Extremely Improbable</td></tr><tr><td>I</td><td>Fatal or Permanent Disability</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>||</td><td>Severe Illness or Injury</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2233</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>III</td><td>Minor Injury or illness</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>2-3</td><td></td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>IV</td><td>No Injury or Illness</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td></td><td>3</td></tr></table> <table><tr><th colspan="3">Risk Priority</th></tr><tr><td>Code</td><td>Risk Level</td><td>Action Required</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>High</td><td>Work activities must be suspended immediately until hazard can be eliminated or controlled or reduced to a lower level.</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Medium</td><td>Job hazards are unacceptable and must be controlled by engineering, administrative, or personal protective equipment methods as soon as possible.</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Low</td><td>No real or significant hazard exists. Controls are not required but may increase the comfort level of employees.</td></tr></table> 3. Take action on the assessment. Depending on the assigned Risk Level/Code (or Risk priority), take the corresponding action according to the table above: • If Risk priority is LOW (3) for a task step → requires no further action. - Note: If you assign a risk code of 3, be sure that there isn't a WISHA standard that requires specific protection be provided. For example: WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] requires personal protective equipment when using compressed air for cleaning. - If Risk priority is MEDIUM (2) → select and implement appropriate controls. • If Risk priori…
[3] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Assessment Tool
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Hazard assessment worksheet: Leg protection (cont.) ## PPE required (cont.) OSHA Oregon OSHA Department of Consumer and Business Services # Hazard assessment worksheet: Hand protection Salem Central Office [redacted street address]. NE Salem, OR [redacted postal code] Phone: [redacted phone] Toll-free: [redacted phone] osha.oregon.gov Work task: Date ## Potential hazards - No hazards requiring hand protection - Harmful or hazardous temperatures - Chemicals that can be absorbed into the skin or cause burns - Energized electrical equipment - Mechanical equipment that can cause bruises, abrasions, cuts, punctures, fractures, or amputations Other hazard: ## PPE required None required - Cut resistant gloves General-purpose work gloves Chemical resistant gloves ............... Insulated gloves Heat and flame resistant gloves Latex or nitrile gloves Electrician's insulated rubber gloves Cotton, leather, or anti-vibration gloves Other PPE: 440-5871 (07/23/COM)
[4] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# B. What you are required to do (cont.) ## 1. Do a Hazard Assessment for PPE and document it (cont.) The table below lists two suggested approaches/methods that you can take to fulfill this requirement: <table><tr><th>Method</th><th>Tool</th><th>This tool helps you:</th><th>Advantage</th><th>Disadvantage</th></tr><tr><td>Hazard Assessment for PPE</td><td>Checklist (see p. 17)</td><td>-Identify hazards by the body parts affected</td><td>-Good for retail and non-manufacturing businesses with few hazards</td><td>-Not very detailed -May not be adequate for a manufacturing site</td></tr><tr><td>Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Hazard Assessment for PPE</td><td>Chart (see p. 21)</td><td>-Break down the job into tasks or steps -Identify hazard types and sources -Assign a risk priority code to determine what action to take</td><td>-Good for detailed analysis of hazards associated with a job or task -Provides a description of how to do the job*</td><td>-Requires more resources and time</td></tr></table> *This can also be useful for • Training new workers on the job procedures • Accident investigations • American Disabilities Act (ADA) determination of reasonable accommodation Whichever method you use to do the hazard assessment - either one of the above or your own method – involve the employees throughout the process: review the job steps, discuss potential hazards, and recommend solutions together. They are the most familiar with their jobs and their work area, and can provide information about their job that you may not necessarily see when you observe them at work. They may have ideas or have already worked out some practical solutions, and will be more likely to accept and adhere to changes in policies and procedures if they are involved in the decision-making process. Document (either on paper or electronically, as long as it is available to safety and health personnel from the Department of Labor and Industries) that the PPE hazard assessment has been done with…
[5] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Assessment Tool
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Open source documentSource excerpt
## PPE required at this workplace includes (check all that apply): (cont.) OSHA Oregon OSHA Department of Consumer and Business Services Hazard assessment worksheet: Fall protection Salem Central Office [redacted street address]. NE Salem, OR [redacted postal code] Phone: [redacted phone] Toll-free: [redacted phone] osha.oregon.gov Work task: Date ## Potential hazards No hazards requiring fall protection Unguarded surfaces more than 6 or 4 feet above a lower level or any height above dangerous equipment Other hazard: ## PPE required None required Personal fall arrest system Personal fall restraint system Other PPE: 440-5871 (07/23/COM)
[6] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Assessment Tool
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Open source documentSource excerpt
## PPE required (cont.) OSHA Oregon OSHA Department of Consumer and Business Services # Hazard assessment worksheet: Torso protection Salem Central Office [redacted street address]. NE Salem, OR [redacted postal code] Phone: [redacted phone] Toll-free: [redacted phone] osha.oregon.gov Work task: Date ## Potential hazards - No hazards requiring torso protection - Extreme temperatures Hot splashes from molten metal and other hot liquids - Impacts from tools, machinery, and materials Hazardous chemicals lonizing radiation Other hazard: ## PPE required None required Chemical resistant coveralls Cut-resistant sleeves, wristlets Flame-resistant jacket Flame-resistant pants High visibility garment Insulated jacket, hood Lab coat or apron Static control coats or coveralls Other PPE: 440-5871 (07/23/COM)
[7] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Option 2 A high risk priority means that there is a reasonable to high probability that an employee will be killed or permanently disabled doing this task step and/or a high probability that the employee will suffer severe illness or injury! 4. Select PPE: Try to reduce employee exposure by first implementing effective controls that do not primarily rely on individual employee behavior (such as using PPE). Follow the "Hierarchy of Controls" (p. 38). a. For each hazard you identified, ask the question: "Can we change the way this job is done to eliminate or reduce this hazard?" Ideas might include combining steps, changing the sequence, a different tool, a change in the workstation, ventilation etc. The employees who do this job may have some good practical ideas. b. If none of these will work, what personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed? If PPE is needed, it must be appropriately matched to the hazard to provide effective protection against the hazard. c. Write down your solution in the Control Method column opposite the hazard. If you still aren't satisfied that the hazard is under control, you may need to consider not doing this job or doing it less often. 5. Certify the hazard assessment: Make sure you sign and fill in the required information (indicated by *) at the bottom of the form for proper documentation of the hazard assessment. The following pages show two examples of completed JHA hazard assessments for PPE. 28
[8] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Option 2 # Additional Guidelines for Conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Assessment for PPE 1. Do a walk through survey - identify sources of hazards 2. Analyze the Hazards (p. 25) 3. Take Action on the Assessment (p. 27) 4. Select PPE (p. 28) 5. Certify the Hazard Assessment (p. 28) Example completed forms (p. 29) 1. Do a walk through survey - identify sources of hazards: Walk through each area of the work place and note the presence of any existing as well as potential hazards. Also note general conditions in the area for hazards such as inadequate lighting, noise, tripping hazards, forklift traffic, etc. Write down each hazard, where it occurs, what causes it (hazard source), and the body part at risk on the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) form, which you can use to assess your PPE needs. At this step, you are trying to gather as much information as you can. (Note all observed hazards. Noisy environments or those that may require respirators must be evaluated with appropriate test equipment to quantify the exposure level when overexposure is suspected.) a. Look at all steps of a job. Most jobs can be broken down into steps. List each step in the first column of the form in order as you watch the employee do the job. Be sure to record enough information to describe the step. However, only break the job down into the number of steps that are useful for identifying hazards and training employees. With practice you will get a sense of how far to break the job down. Go over the job steps with the employee. Ask the employee if there are any variations in the job that are infrequently done and that you might have missed during your observation. b. After you list all the job steps, go back and look at each step for hazards or potential hazards, their sources, and the body parts at risk. List them in the next three columns opposite the step. For purposes of the assessment, assume that no personal protective equipment is being worn - even if the worker is we…
[9] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# SAMPLE PPE POLICIES # Procedures ## A. Hazard Assessment for PPE (Safety Person or designated person), in conjunction with Supervisors, will conduct a walk-through survey of each work area to identify sources of work hazards. Each survey will be documented using the Hazard Assessment Certification Form, which identifies the work area surveyed, the person conducting the survey, findings of potential hazards, and date of the survey. (Safety Person or designated person) will keep the forms in the (Specify exact location, e.g., your company's business files). (Safety Person or designated person) will conduct, review, and update the hazard assessment for PPE whenever • a job changes • new equipment or process is installed • there has been an accident - whenever a supervisor or employee requests it • or at least every year Any new PPE requirements that are developed will be added into (Name of your business)'s written accident prevention program. ## B. Selection of PPE Once the hazards of a workplace have been identified, (Safety Person or designated person) will determine if the hazards can first be eliminated or reduced by methods other than PPE, i.e., methods that do not rely on employee behavior, such as engineering controls (refer to Appendix B - Controlling Hazards). If such methods are not adequate or feasible, then (Safety Person or designated person) will determine the suitability of the PPE presently available; and as necessary, will select new or additional equipment which ensures a level of protection greater than the minimum required to protect our employees from the hazards (refer to Appendix C - Selection of PPE). Care will be taken to recognize the possibility of multiple and simultaneous exposure to a variety of hazards. Adequate protection against the highest level of each of the hazards will be recommended for purchase. All personal protective clothing and equipment will be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed an…
[10] Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# What types of PPE may be necessary? Your hazard assessment should determine if your employees need any of the following types of PPE: - Eye and face protection ◆ Fall protection - Foot protection • Hand/general skin protection - Head protection • Hearing protection • Leg protection ● Personal floatation device • Respiratory protection • Torso/general body protection ## How to do a PPE hazard assessment ## Do a baseline survey to identify workplace hazards A baseline survey is a thorough evaluation of your entire workplace - including work processes, tasks, and equipment - that identifies safety and health hazards. A complete survey will tell you what the hazards are, where they are, and how severe a potential injury could be. ## Suggestions: Use safety data sheets (SDS) to identify chemical hazards. A safety data sheet has detailed information about a hazardous chemical's health effects, its physical and chemical characteristics, and safe handling practices. Review equipment owner and operator manuals to determine the manufacturer's safety warnings and recommended PPE. Conduct a job-hazard analysis (JHA) - a method of identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards associated with specific jobs. A JHA breaks down a job into tasks. You evaluate each task to determine if there is a safer way to do it. A job-hazard analysis works well for jobs with difficult-to-control hazards and jobs with histories of accidents or near misses. JHAS for complex jobs can take a considerable amount of time and expertise to develop. You may want to have a safety professional help you. Have an experienced safety professional survey your workplace with you. 4
[11] Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# What are Oregon OSHA's requirements for PPE hazard assessments? If you are a general industry, construction, or agricultural employer you must determine if your workplace has hazards you cannot eliminate or control without PPE. If there are such hazards, you must: • Select the PPE that protects your employees from the hazards • Communicate your selection decisions to each affected employee • Ensure the PPE fits each employee • Require your employees to use their PPE when they are exposed to the hazards General industry employers must also prepare a document that says they have done the hazard assessment. The document must include: • A heading that says the document is a "certification" of the hazard assessment • The name of the workplace evaluated • The name of the person certifying the hazard assessment was completed • The date of the hazard assessment ## Oregon OSHA's hazard assessment rules • General industry: [redacted phone](1), Hazard assessment and equipment selection. Appendix B to Subdivision 2/1 has guidelines for conducting a hazard assessment. • Construction: [redacted phone](1), Hazard assessment and equipment selection. Appendix B to Subdivision 2/1 has guidelines for conducting a hazard assessment. • Agriculture: [redacted phone](2), Hazard assessment and protective equipment selection. Appendix A to Subdivision 4/1 has a sample hazard assessment form. 3
[12] Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment
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Open source documentSource excerpt
# Evaluate your employees' exposures to each hazard identified in the baseline survey (cont.) ## Document your hazard assessment For each job assessed, documentation must include the following information: - A heading saying the document is a "certification" of the hazard assessment • The name of the workplace evaluated - The name of the person certifying the hazard assessment was completed PPE hazard assessment certification Workplace evaluated: Person certifying the evaluation: Hazard assessment date: • The date of each hazard assessment Use the PPE hazard assessment and certification form on our website to conduct your own hazard assessment. Construction industry and agricultural employers do not have to document their hazard assessments, but must tell each exposed employee about their PPE selection decisions and meet other rule requirements. ## Do regular workplace inspections Regular inspections tell you whether you have eliminated or controlled existing hazards, and help you identify new hazards. Quarterly inspections by employees trained in hazard recognition are a good way to get the job done. Look for new hazards whenever you change equipment, materials, or work processes. Determine what hazards could result from the changes and how to control them. If your business works at multiple sites, you may need to do a hazard assessment at each site. 6
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