Identifying Work Place Hazards Construction Essay

Identifying Work Place Hazards Construction EssayInjuries at the aim of figure out argon of major concern for alone(a) masses involved in the affair operations for an organization.The issues which answer accidents took maculation in the gain charge and work-related peaked(predicate) health ar c wholeed as Hazards. The demand for organized organization of OHS posts and their associated fortunes applies to all business/unions/organizations etc and all activities and functions within an organization.It is of worth enormousness to differentiate b/w bump, find and pictorial matter when undertaking essay rulement.Hazard is the probable for harm, or unpleasant effect on an employees health. Everything that erect ca mathematical function dent or illness to anybody at or surface the place of work may be called as adventure.Risk is the likeliness that a gauge will ca delectation imperfection or ill health to anyone at or near a workplace. The train of lay on the li ne increases with the severity of the hazard and the era and frequency of exposure or vulnerability. pic/exposure happens whenever anybody comes into contact with a hazard.Risk wariness serve up consists of cardinal stepsIdentifying the Potential HazardsAssessing The Risks Associated With The HazardsControlling the riskReviewing the serviceThe first off and close call attentionifi backsidet step in reducing the hazard of an accident/ misfortune is hazard appellation. This means recognizing all workplace situations or events that scum bag be presumptuousness to cause an injury or illness.The second step is an evaluation of the level of risk of the hazards that occupy been identifies during the first step. This step engages in collecting reading and building conclusion. It is imperative you consider the level of the damage/destruction or consequence from a hazard and the likelihood of harm occurring. If your sagaciousness is that an out of the question risk to health a nd safety exists, you must introduce throws to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.There ar three categories of, you might take, while accountant measures. You potbelly hail discharge of the hazardreducing the riskintroducing back-up halts (this arrest will be applied, after all other options in the brave out two categories have been worn out).The third step in roaring risk management is to initiate and maintain systems which house opportunity for daylight to day evaluation and suss out procedures.Evaluation means examining run measures to turn back risks are eradicated or minimized and no unacceptable risk is beingness ca employ by new hazards. The assessment system applies to the risk management mould on the whole and checks the process is operative efficiently to identify hazards and manage risks.Management of the Risks is an organizational issue and a productive program ask the assurance and cooperation of all. All the program managers and their round need to recognize the unsounded importance of OHS risk management, for it to work. The most worthy practice is implanting OHS risk management into daily usage at all levels of an organization. Best practice can be achieved if you can integrate risk management principles and practices into everyday business practice.1. IDENTIFY THE HAZARDSHazard identificationThe initiatory step in minimizing the probability of an accident/mishap/disaster is hazard identification, which relates to identify all situations or events that may cause to an injury or illness. Eliminating/minimizing place of work hazards requires a methodical approach. It is necessary to try and anticipate all potential hazards at the workplace recognized as the what if? approach.What is of Hazard?It is a source or potential source of any individuals injury, illness or disease. Anything which might cause to an injury or illness to anyone at or near the place of work is a hazard. While a number of hazards are quite clear and easy to recognize, others are not for example exposure to noise, chemical substances or radiation.Classes of hazardHazards are classified into five different types. They arebiological hazards incorporates of animals, Bacteria, Insects, Mildew, Mould, Vermin, Viruses.Chemical hazards comprises of chemical stuff such as acids or poisons and those that may cause to fire or explosion, cleaning agents, dusts and fumes from various processes such as welding.Mechanical and/or electrical hazards comprises of cranes, dangerous tidys, Electricity, Equipment, fork lifts, hoists, Machinery, compact vessels.Physical hazards comprises of air quality, excessively loud and prolonged noise, falling objects, fire, Floors, heating and cold, ladders, manual handling (lifting, pushing, pulling), poor lighting, radiation, slippery surfaces, Stairs, steps, ventilation system, vibration, work platforms.Psychosocial environment hazards comprise of workplace stressors occurred due to a variety of sourc es.Note almost chemical and physical hazards can direct to explosion, fire and other safety hazards.METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING HAZARDSThe 1st step in laterality of a hazard is to recognize and slant them. Many other methods which are useful for identifying hazards, includesbenchmarking against or liaising with similar workplaces.considering occupational Health Safety implications, when analyzing work processes.consulting with workforce, health safety responsible persons and OHS military commission membersreceiving feedback from workers can often give precious information about hazards, since they have hands on recognise in their area of workinjury and ill health records evaluate your employees compensation data and fancy the occurrence, machine agency of injury, and the cost to the organization. The organization can be altered to strain the information of presence of hazardsinvestigating workplace incidents and near hits reports in some cases there may be more than one ha zard bestow to an incidentperforming walkthrough surveys, checking or safety audits in the workplace to canvas Health Safety system of the organization.2. ASSESS THE ventureSAssessment of risksWhen a hazard has been identified, do a risk assessment. A risk assessment process means youcollect information about every identified hazardconsider the number of people exposed to distri andively hazard and the duration of the exposureuse the information to assess the likelihood and consequence of each hazarduse a risk assessment table to work out the risk associated with each hazardFactors for considerationThe following factors should be considered during the risk assessment processthe hazards nature posing the riskcombinations of hazardsinjuries or illnesses types predictable from exposureconsequences of duration and exposure to the hazardlayout of workstation workplaceworking stance and positionnew work processes introductionemployees skill experience level ain characteristics of e mployees exposed to the risk (colour blindness or interview impairment)existing control measures in place such as the use of clothing and personal protective equipment.TABLE FOR lay on the line ASSESSMENT use risk assessment table is the one method of assessing risks. Record the risk rating for each hazard you have identified. To construct an assessment matrix, you canset up a specialist risk assessment groupget expert/specialist recommendationbrainstorm within the workplace, especially with employees, health and safety representatives and OHS committee members they are often a valuable source of information and experience.Before introducing new or changed work practices, substances or plant polish your original assessment. It is good management to do timed critiques.CONSEQUENCESLIKELIHOODVery LikelyLikely flimsyHighlyUn likelyFatalityHIGH encounterHIGH bumpHIGHRISKMEDIUMRISKMajorInjuriesHIGHRISKHIGHRISKMEDIUMRISKMEDIUMRISKMinorInjuriesHIGHRISKMEDIUMRISKMEDIUMRISK mildRISK p altryInjuriesMEDIUMRISKMEDIUMRISKLOWRISKLOWRISKRisk Assessment TableUSING A RISK ASSESSMENT TABLEBy using risk assessment table, assessments of likelihood and outcomes can be translated into levels of risks. High risk areas can be given first priority for removal or control in the place of work.Consequence or extent of the injury or illness were it to happen, can be rated in the following wayFatal accident ripe or major injury (severe damage to health which may be permanent, wanting medical attention constant treatment). Such damage is likely to grip world-shattering time eat up workMinor injury (temporary health damage, which may need medical attention but uncomplete ongoing treatment). This is less possible to involve significant time reach workInsignificant injuries (first aid only with little or no lost time). Unlikely to involve more than 1 day off work.Likelihood, or the chance of each of the situations or events actually occurring, can be rated in the following way.Very likely (bared to hazard continuously)Likely (bared to hazard occasionally)Unlikely (could occur but only rarely)Highly unlikely (could occur, but probably never will)This categorization would be used very rarely. acting on the findingsThe probable conclusions which might be drawn from risk assessment process and the actions that might be taken are listed below1. Risks are not significant now and not likely to increase in future.Actionsend sure assessment and record assessment detailsreview assessment if situation changes or in 2 geezerhood rear induction and ongoing didacticsfollow safe working procedures2. Risks are considerable but already effectively controlled, could increase in the future.Actions answer safety measures to retain controls and reducing the chances of higher exposure occurringconclude unembellished measures for regaining control if a high risk event occurs, patronage safety measuresconclude if monitor or health observation is demand to check efficiency of con trolsif situation changes or in 2 years so review assessmentgive orientation continual trainingreassure that safe secure working measures are followed.3. Risks are significant now, and not adequately controlled.Actionsrecognize and employ instant measures for stopping or controlling exposureconsider stopping the processcommence review of longer term control requirementsre-evaluate exposures when the upgraded control measures are in placedetermine if monitoring or health surveillance is requiredprovide induction and ongoing trainingensure that safe working measures are followedBut if there is still uncertainty about risks and not plenty information is available or unsure about the level of exposure, then the following actions should be considered.Acquire more/additional information. Apply good practice to minimize exposure until more information is available position specialist advice if necessaryArrive at conclusion 1, 2 or 3 and take the appropriate actions. abstract of key poi ntsAssess all reasonably foreseeable workplace hazards which may affect the health or safety of employees or other persons at work. Ask yourselfhow serious could it be?what is the likelihood of its occurrence?what is the significance of the risks?are risks assessed following the hazard identification exercise?are risks to others considered?are records of assessment maintained?which identified hazards make water a significant risk?3. CONTROL THE RISKSControl measuresOnce a hazard has been identified then the correct course of action is to use control measures which normally fall into three categories which are as followsget rid of the hazardreduce the riskuse backup controls when all other options in the previous categories have been exhausted.The best way to control a hazard is to eliminate it. The elimination of a hazard is the first choice in a system called the hierarchy of controls.Hierarchy of controlsThe format of priority in hazard control is as followsget rid of the hazard from the place of work completely. This is considered to be the best method to control a hazard. Removal of a noisy machine from a quietness area is an example of exclusion.Substitute or modify the hazard. This can be done by replacing it with something less dangerous, for example, by using a paint which does not contain asthma- encouraging agents.Isolate the hazard. This can be done by physically eliminating it from the place of work.Use engineering methods to control the hazard at its source. The tools and the equipment can be redesigned and the local exhaust ventilation systems could be used to block the cause of a hazard.Use of administrative controls is management strategies that can be introduced to ensure the health and safety of workers.introducing personal protective equipment (PPE) as a provisional measure for reducing exposure to a hazard.4. MONITOR AND REVIEWA continual and repeated processRisk management programs are recurring once the hazards related to current workp lace are controlled successfully, then the process does not stop. Systematic monitoring and reviews must be implemented because of the probable for new hazards to be introduced into a workplace. These hazards can be due toa change in work environment (moving to a different office, staff reduction)the introduction of new staff with different skill/ knowledge levels.the introduction of new work practices or proceduresthe use of new technology, equipment or substancesPlanningEffective forward preparation is an integral part of monitoring and reviewing risk management. You must address all issues before introducing new equipment and work procedures. For example, planning allows you to include OHS compliance into quick specifications for new equipment or services.Record keepingRecord keeping is an valuable part of monitoring and review. Systematic records will help to identify hazards and review the effectiveness of risk controls. Keep records which showdetails of workplace inspections worksheets/checklists used to identify hazardsmethods used to assess riskscontrol measures implementedreviews of workplace systems of work, or health and safety auditsany action that has been taken to fix crabbed hazardsinstruction or training done to ensure staff aptitudehealth surveillance of staffmaintenance of plant and equipment.Achieving the desired end pointsIt is all-important(a) to keep checking that solutions to your workplace hazards are achieving the desired result. You can only ensure your control methods are working by regular monitoring and review. showdown best practiceGood hazard management will result in compliance with set performance indicators. This is a positive sign that your agency is on the way to OHS best practice. Achieving best practice in OHS risk management results inincreases in staff moraledecreases in workers compensation costspromotion of a safety-conscious culture in the workplace.Summary of key pointsHas the program achieved its purpose?Does i t work?Is it being adhered to?What has been done to control the hazard and what remains to be done?Are new hazard control measures required?