- How to build a risk picture
- Variables to take into account
- Study and assessment
- Process
- How risks are assessed
- Examples of risk outlook
- About the consequences:
- On the odds:
- About the exposure time:
- References
A risk overview is a diagnostic tool, used by companies and organizations, that establishes the general working conditions in order to establish which are the critical points of danger.
Critical points are considered to be potential situations in which the physical integrity of one or more people may suffer some type of consequence or damage. These can be work-related illnesses or workplace accidents. On the other hand, risk is called any probability or possibility of an event occurring that could expose one or more people to any type of danger.
Chinese workers wearing helmets. Source: pixabay.com
A risk overview is used to evaluate the general conditions of "dangerousness" in a company or organization. This analysis allows prioritizing risks as well as obtaining valuable information about the working conditions and the workers.
The risk panorama is of fundamental importance to prevent accidents, injuries or situations that may affect the physical integrity of one or more workers.
How to build a risk picture
A risk overview is prepared taking as a starting point the type of productive operation of a company. This means studying what the organization does. Subsequently, a second global analysis about the work environment is carried out.
In this initial stage, fundamental elements are taken into consideration that serve to diagnose the current situation of the company. Objects and situations that are considered potentially dangerous or harmful for the health and physical integrity of people are identified, located and valued.
Variables to take into account
The variables that are mainly considered are:
- General physical characteristics of the work environment, such as the facilities, equipment, tools or elements in the workplace.
- Nature of the potential dangers associated with the above (physical, chemical or biological) and their level of intensity. The intensity of a hazard is associated with the level of concentration or presence of the element.
- Study of the procedures for the use of potentially dangerous elements that may affect the health or safety of workers.
- Organize and order the tasks of the workers taking into account the previous points, as well as the ergonomic and psychosocial aspects.
Study and assessment
The study and assessment of potential risks in an area where work activities take place is essential. This is used to evaluate an action plan to avoid situations that are harmful to people's health and safety.
Both the management of the company or organization, as well as the specialists, play a fundamental role in the preparation of the diagnosis. But more than anything, it is the workers themselves who must actively collaborate to keep risk scenarios up to date.
Process
Risk overviews are usually carried out following a series of steps structured as follows:
1- The geographical location of the workplace is established and evaluated.
2- A fieldwork is carried out, which consists of observing the establishment and the positions where the workers work.
3- Information is collected about what could be risk factors for health and safety.
4- The information collected is organized in a centralized manner.
5- The data obtained are analyzed and each risk is given an assessment (from least to most dangerous).
6- Risk factors are prioritized.
7- A work plan is executed that helps reduce risk factors as well as establish protocols in case the risk materializes.
8- A periodic monitoring of working conditions is carried out, which helps to modify the risk panorama (if necessary).
How risks are assessed
Once the necessary procedures for the initial recognition of the work situation have been carried out, the data collected is analyzed by specialists. This analysis reveals situations that may threaten health or safety, but each one must be evaluated on a scale of danger.
The assessment of occupational risks is done as follows:
1- Risk assessment: in this instance a rating is assigned to each hazard, taking into account the security controls currently in force. The effectiveness of the control, the probability of the risk and its consequences are also considered.
2- Define criteria: in this instance what is known as “risk acceptability” are defined.
3- Define acceptability of the risk: once the criteria for the acceptability of the risk have been established, it is considered whether the current procedures are acceptable to keep the risk under control and whether they comply with the legal requirements.
There are specific formulas for considering risks, which evaluate a series of variables in order to establish the level of probability that a dangerous event will happen.
Examples of risk outlook
Risk scenarios collect valuable information and after its study this is compiled in a specifically designed spreadsheet.
In a risk overview, data such as:
- Company name.
- Number of workers.
- Date of realization.
- Person responsible for the panorama.
Likewise, in that report you will find information that refers to the location of the company and / or jobs, risk factors and from which source they come, the effects on the health or safety of workers, what areas are exposed and for how long.
The degree of danger will be evaluated taking into account the consequences, the degree of exposure and the probability index. This is done on a scale of 1 to 10 for consequences, probabilities, and exposure time.
About the consequences:
1: Minor injuries (bruises, blows).
4: Injuries involving disability (not permanent).
6: Injuries involving permanent disability.
10: Death.
On the odds:
1: There are no records of the event or it has not happened in years.
4: It could happen, it would be strange.
7: Completely possible, nothing strange.
10: It is the most expected result.
About the exposure time:
1: Remotely possible.
4: Occasionally, once a week.
6: Frequently, sometimes.
10: It happens continuously.
References
- Western Sidney University. (2011). Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Procedure. PDF
- Naval Safety Center. (2005). Hazard Reporting System User Guide. PDF
- Colombian Occupational Health Joint Committee. (1989). Resolution 1016. PDF
- ICONTEC International. (2010). Guide for the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks in occupational safety and health.PDF
- South American life insurance. (sf). Overview of risk factors of a company. Recovered from arlsura.com