Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

• Author: International Labour Organization
• Pages: 85-86

MEISI05-R-2005-02-0159-1-En.doc

85

Annex I

Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

An organization should establish, implement and maintain documented procedures to ensure

that the following are conducted:

1. hazard identification;

2. risk assessment;

3. control of risks; and then

4. evaluation of steps 1-3.

Hazard identification

The identification of hazards in the workplace should take into account –

(a) the situation or events or combination of circumstances that have the potential to give rise to

injury or illness;

(b) the nature of potential injury or illness relevant to the activity, product or service; and

(c) past injuries, incidents and illness.

The identification process should also include consideration of –

I. the way work is organized, managed, carried out and any changes that occur in this;

II. the design of workplaces, work processes, materials, plant and equipment;

III. the fabrication, installation and commissioning and handling and disposal of materials,

workplaces, plant and equipment;

IV. the purchasing of goods and services;

V. the contracting of plant, equipment, services and labour including contract specification and

responsibilities to and by contractors;

VI. the inspection, maintenance, testing, repair and replacement of plant and equipment.

Risk assessment

Risk assessment is a process used to determine the level of risk of injury or illness associated

with each identified hazard, for the purpose of control. All risks should be assessed and have control

priorities assigned, based on the established level of risk. The priority for control increases as the

established level of risk increases.

The risk assessment process should take account of the likelihood and severity of injury or

illness from the identified hazard. There are many established methods and techniques for the

purpose of risk assessment.

Risk control

Unless a particular hazard is removed, the risk associated with such a hazard can never be

completely eliminated.

Organizations should plan the management and control of those activities, products and

services that can or may pose a significant risk to health and safety.

The approach most commonly used is referred to as a hierarchy of control, from preferred, to

the least desirable as follows:

(a) elimination;

(b) substitution;