Risk Assessment

It must be appreciated that risk assessment is not a precise science.

What may be a risky operation for one person may be a matter of common sense for another. It is necessary, therefore, to quantify the risks in a way that is understandable and credible to all concerned.

There are many systems that can be used to determine the risk associated with a hazard within the workplace. A simple and effective way of identifying and prioritising those hazards that require further control is by use of a numerical system such as that detailed below.

A numerical system

Hazard

(something with the potential to cause harm). May be quantified as:

• 3 = fatal
• 2 = major injury
• 1 = minor injury

Probability

(the likelihood of that harm being realised). May be quantified as:

• 3 = very likely
• 2 = likely
• 1 = unlikely

Consequently, the significance of a hazard may be calculated as: Probability x Hazard. For example:

Hazard	Persons Affected	Hazard	Probability	Hazard x Probability
Tipping the Forklift Truck	Drivers and People	3	2	= 6
Dermatitis From Using Bactericidal Detergent	Kitchen Staff	1	3	= 3
Beer Line Cleaner Splashed In Eyes	Head Barman and Bar Steward	2	2	= 4

The interpretation of the results may be given as:

Probability and Hazard	Interpretation
9	Significant
6	Significant
4	Significant
3	Significant
2	Not Significant
1	Not Significant