Safety Matters - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

Hazpak Risk Assessment Model
1. How severely
could it hurt
someone
or
How ill could it
make someone?
(a) Very likely
could happen
any time
2. How likely is it to be that bad?
(b) Likely
could happen
some time
(c) Unlikely
could happen
but rarely
(d) Very
Unlikely
Could happen
but probably
never will
(i) Kill or cause
1 1
permanent disability
or ill health
2 3
(ii) Long term illness
or serious injury
1 2 3 4
SECTION TWO
Safety Matters A Guide for Workplace OHS Representatives
(iii) Medical
attention and several
days off work
2 3 4 5
(iv) First aid needed
3 4 5 6
The numbers indicate how important it is to do something about the problem
1. High risk of serious OHS occurrence = top priority = act immediately
2. Low risk of serious OHS occurrence = low priority = act when feasible
A judgement is made about the likelihood and severity and an appropriate number allocated.
This measures the risk exposure on a scale ranging from 1 to 6:
1 = a hazardous event which is very likely and will probably kill or severely disable, to
6 = a hazardous event which is very unlikely and will cause a minor injury.
It is sometimes necessary to undertake more thorough assessment of the risks through
environmental or health monitoring. OHS professionals such as occupational hygienists are
often used when detailed or specialised assessment is required.
Adapting the Hazpak Risk Assessment Model
The Hazpak model described above is primarily designed and concerned
with physical incidents and injury. The OHS Act imposes a general duty on
employers to care for the ‘health, safety and welfare’ of employees and others.
This duty extends to health related issues as well as to psychological and mental
well-being. To adequately identify and assess these hazards, the model would
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RAIL
Monitoring OHS Programs and Procedures
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TRAM AND BUS
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