Workplace safety is a priority for every company, regardless of industry. Employers are required to create conditions that minimize the risk of accidents and protect employees’ health. One of the most effective tools designed for this purpose is occupational risk assessment. In the article below, we explain what it is, why it is worth carrying out, and what benefits it provides.
Occupational risk assessment is a process that involves identifying hazards associated with the work being performed. It also includes analyzing and evaluating the potential consequences of these hazards for employees’ health and safety.
The aim of the assessment is to determine the level of risk for a given task and workplace, which makes it possible to implement appropriate preventive measures. As a result, the likelihood of dangerous situations occurring is reduced to a minimum.
Importantly, risk assessment covers various aspects of a company’s operations, such as working conditions, tools and machinery used, as well as the specific requirements of individual job positions.
If you would like to learn more, check out our other articles and find out how to prevent workplace accidents.
Many people realize that implementing appropriate protective measures in the workplace is essential, but not everyone knows how to approach it. So who carries out occupational risk assessment to ensure it is reliable and credible?
There are several answers to this question. It may be conducted by qualified in-house personnel, such as health and safety specialists, or by external consulting companies specializing in this area. The latter not only possess the necessary knowledge but also have experience in assessing risks across various industries.
It is worth noting that occupational risk assessment cannot be a one-time activity. The process should be regularly updated, especially when working conditions change, new technologies are introduced, or other factors affecting employee safety arise.
What does occupational risk assessment look like in practice? There are many methods that can be adapted to the specifics of a given workplace. The most popular include:
The methods listed above are only some of the available options. The final occupational risk assessment methodology should be tailored to the specific nature of the facility and the type of work performed.
Warehouse work involves many potential hazards. The most common include injuries caused by falls, improper lifting of heavy objects, or incorrect use of forklifts. Risk assessment for this position should take into account both physical hazards and those related to workplace ergonomics.
When considering occupational risk assessment for warehouse workers, it is also important to pay attention to hazards related to improper storage of goods. Incorrectly stacked loads may topple over, posing a serious risk to employees. You can read more about this in the article warehouse hazards.
Working on a production line involves risks related to operating machinery, contact with chemical substances, as well as exposure to noise or vibration. So what should occupational risk assessment for a production worker look like?
This process must include both physical hazards resulting from the use of machinery and those related to long-term exposure to unfavorable working conditions, such as noise or air pollution.
Regular machine inspections, training in safe operation, and the use of personal protective equipment are basic measures that can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
