6. RISK ASSESSMENT
The degree of seriousness of the potential
results of a workplace hazard can be
determined based on the nature of the
harm, extent of the damages and on the
duration of the harmful effects.
The categories of harm:
Minor harm causes minor results.
Harm causes long-lasting serious results or
results in permanent minor disability.
Extreme harm results in permanent
major disabilities.
Likelihood
of the event
Unlikely
Possible
Likely
Likelihood is determined by how often the
events take place and how long they last.
Likelihood of the event:
An event is highly unlikely when it occurs
rarely or not regularly.
An event is unlikely when it occurs repeatedly,
but not regularly.
An event is likely when it occurs often and
regularly.
Degree of seriousness of the potential results
Slightly harmful Harmful Extremely harmful
1. Insignificant risk
2. Low risk
3. Moderate risk
2. Low risk
3. Moderate risk
4. Significant risk
3. Moderate risk
4. Substantial risk
5. Intolerable risk
The risk at its worst is intolerable (5, a risk that needs to be dealt with right away), and at its least non-significant (1).
Risk level determination, necessary actions and follow-up
The degree of seriousness of the potential results of a workplace hazard is given in the risk level
estimator. It can be used to categorize the risks. Based on the risk level, it is possible to define
in which order the actions should be taken.
Categories of risk level:
Risk level Actions to take
1.Insignificant risk No actions needed.
2. Low risk
3. Moderate risk
4. Substantial risk
5. Intolerable risk
Actions are not mandatory, but monitoring is required to ensure that its results
or likelihood won’t change in the future.
Plan measures of prevention. Study the likelihood more carefully,
if it has serious results.
It is mandatory to reduce the risk level. Urgent actions should be taken.
If the job has not yet been started, don’t start it until the risk has been reduced.
Eliminating the risk is mandatory. Immediate actions should be taken. Work should
not be continued until the risk has been reduced.
After estimating the risk any actions to be taken should be recorded in order to manage the
hazard. When the risk is moderate or bigger, it is necessary to plan measures and tie them to a
timetable. This timetable should also show the names of the people responsible for follow-up
of their implementation. The risk levels should be updated when there are considerable changes
in the circumstances. Good recording makes it easier to follow-up the process and estimate
the hazards in the future.
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