[MERGED] Occupational Safety & Health /NIOSH

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Risk Management
Risk is a part of life, and every day, each and every one of our decisions is concerned with risk and its management. We say that risk is being exposed to things that can or do cause injury. Controlling those risks depends on the type of work being done.

For most companies, the risks that come with work are the most important and costly ones, which is why companies have an Occupational Health and Safety policy or plan. Risk Management is: "The systematic application of management policies, procedures and practices to the task of analysing, evaluating and controlling risk." That is, looking closely at the risks, deciding what the consequences are, and doing something to remove or lessen the risks. Risk has various properties. For instance, risk, before it happens, is part of what the future is made of. A risk that happens no longer has a chance of happening, because it is now certain; it has moved itself from the future to the past.

Hence, each risk has a chance of happening. This chance may be in qualitative or quantitative form, depending on what we know about that particular risk. That is, we can see from what we know about the way work is done that there is a risk (qualitative), or know it from the number of times that a type of accident has happened (quantitative). This chance, in quantitative or qualitative form, is called risk likelihood.

Another way of knowing about risk is what it does. We say risk impact is what we think will happen because of the risk. Impact can be measured. Qualitative and quantitative ways of measuring may be used. Again, how much you know about risk will tell you how to measure its impact. The most important thing about Risk Management is using risk assessment to show how the risks line up, from least important to most important. In this way, you are saying that you know where to start and put in the most effort, to stop the worst type of accidents happening, even if you can't stop other types from happening. Sooner or later, if you think only of stopping one type of accident, it can take your mind off reducing another incident from happening. Safety is the result of knowing about and doing something to control risk. It doesn't mean there are no risks. But it does mean that the risks are so low that everyone thinks the work can be done safely.

There are three basic steps to Risk Management:

    * Identifying the hazards: involves recognising things that may cause injury or harm to the health of a person, for instance flammable material, ignition sources or unguarded machinery.

    * Assessing the risk: involves looking at the chance of injury or harm happening to a person if exposed to a hazard.

    * Controlling the risk: by introducing ways of doing things (measures) that will remove or reduce the risk of a person being exposed to a hazard to a level where everyone thinks the work can be done safely.

It is important to regularly go over the steps, especially if there are changes in the work environment, new technology is introduced, or standards are changed. Employers should talk with the workers when they are going over these steps. The element of a risk management process is shown in figure below, which has been reproduced from AS/NZS 4360 - 1999 Risk Management.


[ Last edited by  dexa at 8-11-2008 02:16 AM ]

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IDENTIFYING HAZARDS(OR RISKS)

There are a number of ways of pointing out the likely sources of injury or disease. Picking the right way will depend on the type of work done and the hazards it has. Ways may range from a simple checklist for a special piece of equipment or substance to looking at a number of related work processes. A combination of methods may give the best results. Methods of finding workplace risks include:

    * making up a risk checklist;

    * looking around the workplace (walk-through surveys);

    * looking over information from designers or manufacturers;

    * looking at unsafe incidents, accident and injury data;

    * looking at work processes;

    * talking with workers;

    * closely looking at and thinking about material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and product labels; and

    * asking for help from people who have special knowledge (specialist practitioners, consultants and representatives).

Hazard Types

A hazard means anything that may result in injury or harm to the health of a person, Some hazards come with the type of work done, such as mechanical hazards, noise, or the toxic properties of substances. Other hazards come from equipment and machine breakdowns, or by machines being misused, or by control or power system breakdowns, chemical spills, and structural failures (for example, cracks in wooden beams, rust in steel supports), and can be expected when looking for hazards. It is useful to prepare a list when considering these hazard types and looking for work-related hazards to make sure that you think about all the hazards there are. The table below lists some types of hazards, with some examples. Types of hazards and specific examplesinclude the following:

    * Gravity: falling objects, falls of people.

    * Kinetic energy: projectiles, penetrating objects.

    * Hazardous substances: skin contact, inhalation.

    * Thermal energy: spills and splashes of hot matter.

    * Extremes of temperature: effects of heat or cold.

    * Radiation: ultraviolet, arc flashes, microwaves, lasers.

    * Noise: hearing damage.

    * Electrical: shock, burns.

    * Vibration: to hands and body.

    * Biological: micro-organisms.

    * Stress: unrealistic workload and expectations.

HAZARD REPORTING

Hazard reporting encourages workers to take a proactive approach to safety. It is mainly to get workers to ask about their jobs "What are the hazards?" or "What can go wrong?" before an accident happens, and then find the likely hazards and bring them to the attention of their supervisor or the manager. Usually, hazards will be found during day-to-day work and can be fixed on the spot. However, sometimes a hazard cannot be fixed straight away. Reasons why this may happen include:

    * disagreement over whether there is a hazard, or how bad it is;

    * no one can think of or knows a way of controlling the hazard;

    * disagreement over the best way to control the hazard;

    * there is no time to fully control the hazard because workers are too busy, and because of this they do something to control the hazard only for a short time; or

    * the people in the workplace agree that no one will come in contact with the hazard and it can be fixed later.

For any of these situations, you must make a report.

WHAT IS A HAZARD?

A hazard is anything likely to cause damage to people, the environment, property, machinery or equipment. Hazards may be related to:

    * the work environment (for example, slippery floors, poor lighting);

    * the way the work is organised (for example, having to carry heavy loads a long distance);

    * the plant, equipment, tools or substances used (for example, toxic chemicals, unguarded machines);

    * lack of information, training and supervision; and

    * poor or ill-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE).

Why report hazards

Reporting hazards is important for several reasons:

    * For every serious injury/accident or death in the workplace, there is usually a history of "warning signs" or "near misses" that were ignored because conditions in the workplace change daily.

    * Changes in working conditions can bring new hazards.

    * The next injury/accident might be serious.

These "warning signs" or hazards should be fixed before the accident happens.

Reporting Hazards

Be alert at work! Workers should look out for likely hazards and work out what the problem is, then report it to the supervisor of the work area. Everyone should report hazards to the person in charge of the work area. There are a number of ways to report a hazard. How dangerous the risk is will tell you how soon you should report it and the best way to do this. Report right away if a hazard might cause death or serious injury or illness, or might cause harm to a number of people. If it is less urgent, you should:

    * use a hazard report book; and

    * report hazards at meetings with your Supervisor.

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ANALYSING AND ASSESSING THE RISKS (WORKING OUT WHAT THE RISKS ARE)

In working out the risks from the hazards you have found (risk assessment), you can draw up a list of what injuries or harm can happen, and if these might happen. These should be set out from the most serious to the least serious, for example, from death by crushing to a small scrape or cut in the skin. For each hazard that you find, you should work out if there is a risk of someone being killed. In working out risks, you should find out what is known about how many people have had an injury or a disease because of a hazard (frequency of injury), how long they were exposed to a hazard that caused the injury or disease (duration of exposure), and how bad the injury or disease was (outcome). You can be helped in working out the risks by knowing about other mines and work that are like yours. You should look at several aspects.

    * Frequency of injury: How often is the hazard likely to result in an injury or disease?

    * Duration of exposure: How long is the worker exposed to the hazard?

    * Outcome: What are the consequences or potential severity of injury? (For example, will the injured worker get better? Will the injuries take a long time to heal?)

In looking at these three things, you can work out the likelihood of workers being injured or harmed. It also shows how bad the injury can be (severity). To work out the risks, you should consider all the facts, and know about the likely risks in the type of work you are looking at. If you have worked out the risk, it will help you know what can happen (consequences) and help you find ways of reducing the risk. Risk assessment should include:

    * working out how good is the training or knowledge needed to work safely;

    * looking at the way the jobs are done;

    * looking at the way work is organised (who does what and how);

    * working out the size and layout of the workplace;

    * working out the number and movement of all people in the workplace;

    * working out the type of work to be done;

    * looking at the plans for an emergency evacuation (for example, what has to be done to get people away from danger when there is an accident or a fire, and how to rescue people);

    * looking at the way all materials and substances are stored and handled; and

    * looking at workplace factors such as temperature, lighting and dust.

Sometimes you will have to look at each part of the work being done to work out its risk. This way, you can find out which tasks have a higher risk of injury or disease, how often, and how bad.

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ASSESSING THE RISK

Talk to the supervisor of the work area to work out how dangerous the hazard is and what can be done to solve the problem. If you can fix a hazard easily, go ahead! If not, risk assessment can help you find answers. To work out the level of risk, consider the:

    * Severity of the consequences of an accident:
          o How bad would the injury or illness be?
          o How many people are at risk?
    * Likelihood of the accident happening:
          o Has it happened before?
          o How often might it happen?
          o When is it most likely to happen?

A proactive approach considers what might be done to decrease the likelihood of an accident happening.

REDUCING THE RISK

FINDING WAYS TO CONTROL RISK

The last step in controlling risk is to decide which ways to do this. Sometimes, you may need more than one way. The ways of reducing risks can be to:

    * remove or reduce the risks of a hazardous work process;

    * minimise the effects of injury or disease; and

    * reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances, machinery (plant), noise and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

FIXING THE HAZARD

When you do something to remove or lessen the risk from a hazard, you might need help from the supervisor. You should think about which is the best way to fix a hazard. This is sometimes called a "hierarchy of controls", that is, they start with the best way, and go on to the next best way, and so on (see Section on Risk Management).

MINE HAZARD CONTROL

Hierarchy, or preferred order of control

Control of Risk - General

Elimination (or removal) is a lasting answer and should be tried first of all. The hazard is eliminated altogether, for example, the elimination (removal) of a hazardous work process or substance. Substitution is replacing the hazard by one that has a lower risk. This could be replacing a toxic substance with a less toxic substance. Engineering controls are ones that change how you move about in the workplace or handle the machinery being used by putting a barrier or block between yourself and the hazard. This may include:

    * machine guards (for example, that stop your hands, your clothing or your hair getting caught in a machine);

    * isolation or enclosure of hazards;

    * the use of extraction ventilation; and

    * manual handling devices such as gloves or tongs for dangerous substances, or pulleys for heavy loads.

Administrative (procedural) controls reduce or eliminate exposure to a hazard by making workers stick to the right way of doing things. Written instructions should provide all the steps to be taken and the controls to be used in doing a task safely. These controls only work if workers do what they've been told to do. Examples are:

    * rules to follow so that you can do the job safely; and

    * permits to work, which means that the company gives you permission to do the work because it knows you are able to do the work.

Personal protective equipment is special clothing worn by people to protect them from a hazard. This control will work if you have the right protective clothing, and if it is fitted correctly and worn at all times when needed. You should try first to pick a control that removes the hazard. It is best to choose these controls when the project is being planned. However, you may have to use a number of different controls to remove or lessen the risk.

PREFERRED CONTROLS

Controls are ways of doing things that reduce the hazard and risk to the health or safety of people working there. The control of worker injury and disease should best be dealt with by:

    * design;

    * substitution;

    * redesign;

    * separation; or

    * administration.

These controls are better than personal protective clothing at removing, reducing or making the risk small. Where the law says there are special ways of controlling the risk, these ways must be followed. Information or ideas on control measures can come from:

    * codes of practice;

    * guidance notes;

    * workers;

    * industry or employer associations;

    * unions;

    * government bodies;

    * specialist practitioners and consultants;

    * Australian Standards;

    * other relevant standards and guidelines;

    * other publications and reference databases;

    * Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs);

    * manufacturers and suppliers; and

    * designers and architects.

CONTROL USING PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Protective clothing should only be used when other methods of control can't be used. When to wear protective clothing will depend on:

    * the type of work or the work process done;

    * what you know about an injury or disease that can be caused by doing the work or process;

    * what the company knows about ways of stopping injury or disease from any special hazard or risk; and

    * having good ways to prevent, remove or lessen injuries or diseases caused by a hazard or risk.

There are some situations where protective clothing should be used just for a short time. These include:

    * where it is not possible to control of the hazard in other ways. When this happens, the hazard should first be reduced as far as possible using other ways before using protective clothing to make it safe enough to work;

    * where the known risks allow protective clothing to be used for a short time until there is better control of risks using other methods, for example, where urgent action is needed because of plant failure;

    * during routine maintenance work. Although exposure to hazards often happens during such work, it is only for a short time and there are only a small number of people doing the maintenance, and other ways of controlling risk cannot be done;

    * the type of work or the work process done;

    * how bad the likely injury or disease is;

    * what you know about an injury or disease that can be caused by doing the work or process;

    * what the company knows about ways of stopping injury or disease from any special hazard or risk;

    * having good ways to prevent, remove or lessen injuries or diseases caused by a hazard or risk; and

    * if the cost of doing anything else to prevent, remove or lessen an injury or disease is too much to make the job worth doing at all.

HIGH-RISK PERMITS

High-risk permits are needed for work done in places that are always dangerous and need extra precautions to make them safe. Permits are good only for a short time and are only given out when the person in charge has checked that the workplace is safe to carry out the work. The person in charge of handing out permits must sign all permits. Workers should know about the type of work or the places where permits are needed, and must have special training for that type of work. The permits and the type of work they cover should be checked from time to time. Changes should be made to the permits where workers have experienced extra risks or the supervisor has seen other risks when working on a high-risk job. There are a number of jobs on mine sites that need high-risk permits. Some examples of these are:

    * hot work;

    * storing gas cylinders;

    * isolating energy sources;

    * working alone in a hazardous area;

    * working in confined spaces;

    * working in high-voltage areas;

    * working at heights; and

    * access to the workplace and the use of machinery.

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SAFETY SIGNS

Workplace signs should be put where everyone can see them, and they should be looked after, be clean, well-lit and easy to read. All signs should relate to the hazard. When the hazard is removed, the sign should be removed also. All workers must understand what the signs say. The meanings of the signs and how they are used must be explained to all workers, as well as changes to the words on the signs or where they are put. Management should be aware of workers who have English as a second language or where reading could be a problem. All people working in the mine must obey all signs. Safety signs provide information about situations affecting health and safety and are not a solution for accident prevention. The function and meaning of signs should be included in employee induction training programmes. Employees need to be told about any new sign or changes to an existing sign, before it is displayed.

Classification (types) of signs

AS 1614 - The design and use of reflectorized signs for mines and tunnels, lists nine classes of signs. These are: Class A-Danger signs Class B-Caution signs Class C-Emergency-related safety instruction signs and rescue markers Class D-Fire services signs Class E-Direction signs Class F-Traffic signs Class G-Information signs Class H-Mandatory (obligation) signs Class J -Prohibition signs. Some examples are:

Hazard Signs These signs advise of hazards and are subdivide into:

    * Danger signs: (usually shown with a red oval shape with white writing on a black background) These signs warn of a hazard or hazardous condition that is likely to be life threatening, for example "Danger High Voltage", "This machine starts automatically at any time".




Warning (Caution) Signs (usually shown as a black triangle with yellow background) These signs warn of a hazard or hazardous condition that is not likely to be life threatening, for example "opening door hazard", "slippery surface".





Emergency Signs

(Usually shown as green background with white writing or symbol) These signs indicate the location of, or direction to, emergency related facilities, for example "first aid", "emergency assembly area"



Fire Services signs: - (Usually shown as red background with white writing or symbol) These signs advise the location of fire alarms, fire fighting facilities, emergency stops, for example "Fire Extinguisher", "Emergency Stop"



[ Last edited by  herbivor at 8-11-2006 04:05 PM ]

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Emergency Signs

(Usually shown as green background with white writing or symbol) These signs indicate the location of, or direction to, emergency related facilities, for example "first aid", "emergency assembly area"



Fire Services signs: - (Usually shown as red background with white writing or symbol) These signs advise the location of fire alarms, fire fighting facilities, emergency stops, for example "Fire Extinguisher", "Emergency Stop"



Direction and Traffic signs:

Limitation or Restriction signs: (usually shown as a red circle with number inside) place a limitation on an activity or use of a facility, for example speed limit signs. The colour scheme, shape and size of the sign is appropriate to the particular service. Refer to AS 1614 for the preferred type of sign.



Information Signs: - (Usually shown as blue background with white writing or symbol) These signs provide general information, for example "parking areas", "toilets", "storerooms", "offices".

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Mandatory Signs: - (Usually shown as blue background with white writing or symbol) These signs advise an order for action that "must" be obeyed, for example "hearing protection must be worn", "hard hat area"



Prohibition signs: -

(Usually shown as a red circle with a line though it) forbidding an action for example "no entry", no smoking". If you do not obey these signs you may be committing an offence against the law or breaching safety procedures.

[img]http://www.minesafe.org/upload/Prohibition_signs.JPG[img]

Dangerous Goods Signs

Dangerous goods are classified by the United Nations, based upon the hazard a substance or material may cause. There are nine classes of dangerous goods:

Class 1 Explosives (example TNT, ANFO, primers)



Class 2 Gases

Class 2.1 Flammable gases which will burn (example acetylene, hydrogen, LPG)



Class 2.2 Non-flammable non-toxic gases (example air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen)

Class 2.3 Poisonous or toxic gas (example chlorine, nitric oxide)

Class 3 Flammable Liquids - Liquids which will burn (example petrol, diesel, kerosene)

Class 4 Flammable solids

Class 4.1 Flammable solids and self-reactive substances and which are easily ignited and readily combustible. (example desensitised explosives, sulphur, phosphorous, picric acid)

Class 4.2 Spontaneously combustible materials that may ignite if exposed to air (example non-activated charcoal)

Class 4.3 Dangerous when wet means that moisture may cause a fire (example calcium carbide)

Class 5 Oxidising Substances Class 5.1 Oxidising agents (example chlorine, sodium peroxide) Class 5.2 Organic peroxides (liquid or solid) similar to class 5.1 but can explode under certain conditions

Class 6 Poisonous and Infectious Substances Class 6.1a Poisons which cause death or serious injury if inhaled, swallowed or adsorbed (example cyanides, lead, arsenic) Class 6.1b Harmful materials that must be stored away from foodstuffs but are not classified as poisonous (example pesticides, heavy metals) Class 6.2 Infectious Substances, which contain viable micro-organisms that may cause disease in humans and animals (example live vaccines)

Class 7 Radio Active Substances - Materials, which spontaneously emit ionising radiation (example uranium, radio isotopes, plutonium)

Class 8 Corrosives - Chemicals, which will eat away at a wide range of materials (example hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide)

Class 9 Miscellaneous Goods - Substances and articles, which have potentially dangerous properties (example aerosols, polyester beads) Used whenever more than one class of Dangerous Goods is being carried in the one load

REVIEW OF CONTROL MEASURES (CHECK-UP OF WAYS OF CONTROLLING RISKS)

Doing a check-up of ways of controlling risks is important so that they are always up-to-date and can stop or control exposure to hazards or hazardous work practices. Engineering controls should be regularly tested to make sure that they work. Performance testing and evaluation standards should be set up. Repair and maintenance programs should say:

    * where servicing is needed;

    * how much servicing is needed;

    * what type of servicing is needed;

    * how often the servicing should be done;

    * who looks after the repair and maintenance programs; and

    * how problems will be fixed.

To keep good records, you need a way of making records or reports. The employer is only required to take actions that are "reasonably practicable" to make sure there are no risks to the health and safety of employees and others. This means the employer must decide how big the risk is - if it will happen and how bad it will be if it happens - and if the employer can remove it and how much it will cost. If the risk is greater than the difficulties and costs of removing it, then the employer must remove the hazard. If the risk is very small, but hard and costly to remove, the employer may be able to say that it doesn't have a duty of care to use that method to remove the hazard. The test is "objective". This means that the employer only has to look at what any other employer thinks they can do when dealing with the same sort of problem. The employer must be "reasonable". If it costs too much to control a risk or is too hard to do, these are good reasons not to do it. Also, if it is not too hard to do, or too costly, these are good reasons to do something about the risk. You can ask the question: "Should the employer already know about a hazard, if it can happen, how bad it is and if it can be removed?" Because of questions like this, employers must keep up with what people are learning about hazards and how to remove them. To do this, the employer may need help from work health and safety experts. Thinking about if hazards can happen, the employer must know that they can be caused by workers not paying proper attention, or by being careless, or even by disobeying rules or instructions. The employer cannot ignore his duty just because:

    * the hazard has been looked at before;

    * there has not yet been an injury from a hazardous way of doing work; or

    * the employer has bought the plant or equipment with problems that make it hazardous to use.

If you can find that there is a way of controlling a hazard that people use everywhere, this does not mean that an employer is wrong when he or she says they could not use some other and safer method (that is, that it was not "reasonably practicable" to do). When you have questions about safety and if something can be done to remove a risk, it is important to remember that:

    * your common sense, and not special knowledge, can tell you what needs to be done to remove the risk; and

    * if the employer does not do this, he or she are not doing their duty to care for your safety.

Check that the hazard is fixed for good. After the changes are made, the supervisor and staff should check that the risk of injury or illness is as low as they can make it. The law says that workers must inspect and take action to make their workplace safe. The law may ask a person or a worker to carefully examine the workplace and any machinery or system used there so that they can be sure that it is safe.
________________________________________________________

References

Hazard Management: Play it SAFE - This brochure is a simple guide to help you follow the four SAFE steps for managing hazards at work. Published: 1/06/2004

"A Short Guide to the Employer's Duty of Care" under the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991. 1995, "Risk Analysis of Technological Systems - Application Guide", AS/NZS 3931 (Int). AS/NZS 4360, 1999, "Risk Management".

    "Guidance Note - General Duty of Care in Western Australian Mines", ISBN 1 875 449 310.

    "Risk Management Handbook of the Mining Industry - MDG 1010", NSW Department of Mineral Resources.

    "Safety Signage", Combustion and Chemical Engineering P/L.

AS 1319 - 1994, Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment. AS 1614 - 1985, The design and use of reflectorised signs for mines and tunnels.


(Source: http://www.minesafe.org/legislation/risk.html)

fairy_hobbit

ni risk management untuk industry/bidang apa? sori den tak sempat nak baca sebab article panjang... tgh rushing

auntie_girl

Originally posted by fairy_hobbit at 8-11-2006 11:40 PM
ni risk management untuk industry/bidang apa? sori den tak sempat nak baca sebab article panjang... tgh rushing

mining

Gemukkkkkkk

kalau bab OSH ni, ada la 2-3 forummer otai yang boleh bagi info.  tapi diorang ni tak lepak kat bod sini.  korang boleh la kutip ilmu dari dia, kalau nak.

Feno

thanks for the good ilmu

auntie_girl

yg gegerl baru belajar dalam HIRARC,

to overcome prob(ke risk),ada 6 pilihan, keputusan dibuat ikot tahap risk...kalo high risk, haruslah langkah 1 tuh yg diamek....

1)elimination
2)substitution
3)isolation
4)engineering control
5)admin control
6)PPE

teky

uishh panjang bebenor....

kambeng_masam

waaaa....ni dah bagus ni....skang dah ada nampak OSH punya environment dalam bod career....bagus2....


                                SAFETY FIRST

kambeng_masam

gegerl belajar katne? NIOSH ke? Bila?

auntie_girl

Originally posted by kambeng_masam at 14-8-2008 01:56 PM
gegerl belajar katne? NIOSH ke? Bila?

taklah...gegerl ada in-house safety training

dulu time blajo,OSH ni subjek elektif, dek sebab time tu dah cukup kredit+nak siapkan thesis,gegerl tak amek subject ni

skrg ni gegerl ahli tetap safety commity kat tempat tempat keje gegerl ni

takperlah,mana tau,pas lombong tutup,leh masuk bidang OSH lak

auntie_girl

Originally posted by kambeng_masam at 14-8-2008 01:54 PM
waaaa....ni dah bagus ni....skang dah ada nampak OSH punya environment dalam bod career....bagus2....


                                SAFETY FIRST

cuba tgk bilakah herbivor wat posting thread ni

tahun 2006,hoccay


gegerl terjumpa

decent_sho

Thread pasal safety banyak mendapp laaaa

auntie_girl

Originally posted by decent_sho at 15-10-2008 10:39 PM
Thread pasal safety banyak mendapp laaaa

jom kta naikkan nak

u SHO co mana

venom1

aku sekarang tengah study pasal risk management...thanks for the info..