12/07/2025
What is Risk Assessment?
Risk Assessment is a systematic process of:
1. Identifying hazards (anything with potential to cause harm)
2. Evaluating the risks associated with those hazards
3. Deciding on precautions or control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk
4. Recording findings
5. Reviewing and updating the assessment regularly or after changes/incidents
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đļ Steps in Risk Assessment (5-Step Approach)
Step Description
1. Identify Hazards Look for anything that may cause harm (e.g., machinery, chemicals, noise, fire, manual handling, etc.)
2. Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How Identify workers, visitors, contractors, etc., and how they might be exposed to risk
3. Evaluate the Risk and Decide Controls Assess how likely harm is and how severe. Apply the hierarchy of controls
4. Record Your Findings Document hazards, risks, and actions taken. Keep for legal and audit purposes
5. Review and Update Reassess after accidents, changes in process, or at regular intervals
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đˇ Types of Hazards Considered in Risk Assessments
Hazard Type Examples
Physical Machinery, noise, vibration, slips, trips, falls
Chemical Acids, solvents, flammable liquids, dust
Biological Viruses, bacteria, blood, animal waste
Ergonomic Repetitive motion, poor posture, manual lifting
Psychosocial Stress, harassment, workload
Electrical Faulty wiring, electric shocks, short circuits
Fire & Explosion Combustible materials, LPG, flammable gases
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đļ Risk Matrix (Qualitative Method)
A risk matrix helps assess the level of risk:
Likelihood â / Severity â Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic
Rare Low Low Medium Medium
Unlikely Low Medium High High
Likely Medium High High Very High
Certain High High Very High Extreme
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đˇ Hierarchy of Controls (For Risk Reduction)
From most effective to least effective:
1. Elimination â Remove the hazard (e.g., replace a toxic chemical)
2. Substitution â Replace with less hazardous (e.g., use water-based paints)
3. Engineering Controls â Isolate people from hazard (e.g., guards, enclosures)
4. Administrative Controls â Change work practices (e.g., training, rotation)
5. PPE â Personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, helmets, goggles)
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đļ Why Risk Assessment is Important?
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Prevents accidents and injuries
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Ensures legal compliance (e.g., Factories Act, OSHA, etc.)
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Reduces downtime and cost of incidents
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Promotes safety culture
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Protects company reputation and employee morale
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đ Example: Risk Assessment for a Welding Task
Hazard Risk Persons at Risk Controls
Welding fumes Respiratory issues Welders Use local exhaust ventilation, PPE
Eye injury (UV light) Eye burns, vision damage Welders, nearby Welding shield, barrier curtain
Fire hazard Sparks ignite flammables All nearby workers Fire extinguisher, housekeeping
Electric shock Injury or death Welder Proper grounding, PPE, training