Risk [2]

ISO 31000:2018 Risk management Guidelines defines Risk as the effect of uncertainty on objectives. In this context it clarifies An effect as deviation from the expected. It can be positive, negative or both, and can address, create or result in opportunities and threats.
Risk is usually expressed in terms of risk sources, potential events, their consequences and their likelihood.

The extent of the risk will depend on the
• likelihood of that harm occurring.
• potential severity of that harm.
• number of people who might be exposed.

One example of a hazard might be a carpet that is not fixed down properly. What is the likelihood (risk) of some harm coming to someone from this hazard? Probably the risk is quite high as there is a very good chance someone will catch their foot in the carpet and trip over.

The potential severity of the consequences of a trip will vary, for example:
• a person maintains their balance and it makes them look a bit silly.
• someone falls face forward and becomes impaled onto an object.
• someone falls and strikes their head on an object which causes a fatal injury (i.e. death).

The number of people to whom the poorly fixed down carpet is a hazard is everyone who may encounter it.

Another example might be the storing of bags of fertiliser on shelving that
• are not very secure (potentially making the shelf liable to collapse).
• might have sharp or damaged edges which may injure someone.
• may be located in place that when someone goes to retrieve a bag of fertiliser and they have to twist their body awkwardly to get at the bag, causing potential injury (back, neck, shoulder etc.) when they go to handle the bag.

What is the extent of risk from the following?
• Trips (misplaced irrigation hose).
• Falls (from a ladder; down the stairs).
• Lifting (correct posture).
• Pushing / moving equipment or machinery.
• Dragging an item.
• Slips (spilt oil).
• Fumes (from exhaust emissions; chemical products).
• Spray drift (from pesticides).
• Incorrect application of chemicals (overdosage, pollution) .
• Spillage (possible pollution).
• Dust (from sweeping floors).
• Noise.
• Equipment vibration.

Some of the consequences (excluding death) from harm being caused could be:
• Bruising.
• Broken bones.
• Cuts.
• Strains, torn muscles.
• Slipped disc.
• Bad back.
• Neck ache.
• Skin grazing.
• Burns, scalding.
• Groin injury.
• Breathing problems.
• Lung infections.
• Loss of hearing.
• Ringing in ears.
• Eye strain, soreness, scratching, damage.
• Headaches.
• White finger (from equipment vibration).

The above examples indicate a range of injuries which could result from being complacent within the workplace. A risk assessment will help to significantly reduce the chance of anything like this happening.

What are the likely risks from the following equipment and machinery issues?
• Incorrect use of an item, causing injury to the user or passer-by.
• Inadequate training in its use.
• Safe handling requirements for materials not being correctly assessed.
• Making sure that the equipment or machine is actually appropriate for the task being done.
• User fatigue not adequately accounted for when assessing equipment or machinery use.
• What might be the potential for corrosion (which can weaken joints on equipment and machinery), contamination or pollution) from maintenance or the application of materials)?

What are the likely risks from the following work environment issues?
• Access/availability - is material secure (e.g. stored chemical cabinet); visible: well-marked; safe; with hazards addressed?
• Cleanliness - is it slippery, dusty, are carpets or tiles secure?
• Secure - shelving; storage; drums / piping won't fall into aisles.
• Moving vehicles - pedestrian and vehicular routes being clearly defined.
• Ventilation - extraction pipes, fans, hoods present.
• Services - safe and clearly marked, e.g. electricity, gas, water.
• Steps - slipping (algae present?); not secure (especially outdoor steps).
• Supporting walls to raised planters / flower beds - are these stable and are coping stones secure?
• Ground conditions - slippery embankments; soft ground - machines digging into the ground making controlling the machine that much more difficult; wheel ruts cause a trip hazard; attempting to mow grass banks that are too steep.
• Tools - stored correctly and safely.
• Fire extinguishers - present, correct type and serviced.
• First aid kit - appropriate for the workplace.
• Hygiene - appropriate washing, eating, office, toilet facilities.