SafetyMAP:Auditing Health & Safety ... - WorkSafe Victoria

3.9 Hazard identification, risk assessmentand control of risks - GeneralManagement needs to ensure that theexisting and potential hazards associatedwith the organization’s activities, processes,products or services are identified so that thesubsequent risk exposures can be assessedand suitable control measures introduced.The identification of hazards in theworkplace should consider:a) legislative requirements, relevant codesof practice, standards and other guidancematerial;b)the circumstances or conditions whichhave the potential to cause injury, illnessor property damage;c) the types of injury, illnesses and propertydamage likely to occur; andd)past injuries, incidents and illnesses.In identifying hazards, the organizationshould consider whether staffing levels,locations, pressure of work, working hoursand the level of skill required affect theemployees’ ability to safely perform work. Theorganization also needs to examine whetherhazards arise at peak times or under otherforeseeable operating conditions.Risk assessment is the process wherebyeach hazard is examined to evaluate theprobability and potential consequences thatcould arise from that hazard being present atthe workplace. Consequences may includeinjury, illness and disease and/or fire,explosion and property damage. The riskassessment will determine what hazardsneed to be controlled. This information isimportant when developing objectives andtargets, health and safety managementplans, training and competency, consultation,communication and for development ofspecific hazard controls.3.9.1 Hazards, including public safety hazards,associated with the organization’sactivities, processes, products or servicesare identified, risks assessed and controlmeasures implemented. This includes theidentification of hazards associated with:a) violence, harassment and workplacestress;b) hazardous substances and dangerousgoods;c) manual handling;d) plant and the associated systemsof work;e) the work environment; andf) work at heights.3.9.2 The hazard identification, risk assessmentand risk control process is undertaken bypersonnel competent in the use of theorganization’s methodology.3.9.3 The organization documents all identifiedhazards, risk assessments and riskcontrol plans.3.9.4 Risks of identified hazards are assessedhaving regard to the likelihood andconsequence of injury, illness or incidentoccurring, based upon the:a) evaluation of available information;b) records of incidents, illness anddisease; andc) the potential for emergency situations.3.9.5 Health and safety hazards are assignedrisk control priorities, having regard tothe identified levels of risk.3.9.6 The effectiveness of the hazardidentification, risk assessment and riskcontrol process is periodically reviewedand documented.3.9.7 The organization has a process foridentifying and managing change thatmay impact on health and safety.At intervals, the organization needs to checkwhether their risk management methodologyis meeting their planned expectations.PART 2: AUDIT CRITERIA 23