6 steps for risk assessment
First of all, we need to understand how to identify hazards and minimize risks. This includes carrying out a risk assessment and taking appropriate precautions.
Risk assessment is a systematic examination and analysis of potential risks, combined with the assignment of severity of probabilities and consequences. These are used to assess risks so that high risk mitigation can be prioritized
a simple six-step approach to risk assessment, which involves:
STEP 1. Identify the hazard
STEP 2. Identify the risk
STEP 3. Assess the risk
STEP 4. Manage the risk
STEP 5. Document the process
STEP 6. Monitor and assess
STEP 1. Identify the hazard
Survey the work area or consider the task or process and identify any hazards or potential threats to health and safety.
Some examples of workplace hazards include:
Category Type of damage Example of hazard
Mechanical crushing (crushing, drawing in and cutting) Two moving parts or one moving part and a solid surface Conveyor belt and drive V-belt and pulley Power press
Electric shock/burn/fire/explosion Electricity above 24O V
Extra low volt electricity
Static
Chemical Acute and chronic health effects Acetone
Benzene
Isocyanates
Biological Heat stress, hypothermia Work in oven Cold room

STEP 2. Identify the risk
Risk is the potential consequence of a hazard – relating to the possibility of injury, disease damage, or loss as a result of a hazard. Identify factors that may contribute to the risk.
STEP 3. Assess the risk
Once a hazard has been identified, the likelihood and potential severity of injury or damage should be assessed before determining how best to minimize the risk.
High-risk hazards will need to be addressed more urgently than low-risk situations.
For this we need to use the Risk Assessment Matrix, this risk matrix determines the probability that something WILL happen and the impact if the incident occurs

STEP 4. Manage the risk
The control of a particular risk may involve a number of measures drawn from different options. New working procedures may also need to be developed.
The risk management hierarchy ranks possible risk management measures in descending order of preference:
. • Elimination of hazard
• Substitution of hazard
• Technical checks
• Administrative controls
• Personal protective equipment
STEP 5. Document the process
The information to be documented should include:
• identified hazards
• assessment of the risks associated with these hazards
• decisions on control measures to manage exposure to risks
how and when the control measures are implemented

STEP 6. Monitor and assess Continue to assess and monitor the risk management processes to identify new hazards and continually assess the effectiveness of controls

The risk assessment is best carried out by people who work in the area, because they know what the problems are and what hazards they face. Risk assessments must be appropriate and sufficient

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