What is Risk.

A risk is the likelihood that an accident will happen and the harm that could arise. Its important to bear-in-mind that often risk cannot be eliminated entirely.  We must except this if we are continually to improve safety.

What is a Hazard.

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm, e.g. any situation that could contribute to an accident. Hazards can be caused by many things such as chemicals, electricity, heights, water, poor maintenance, horse play, the list just goes on and on.  Hazards should be eliminated wherever practicable, but this is not always the case. Where a hazard cannot be completely eliminated, then there will be some risk. Risk Rating - The 5 x 5 matrix is one of the most popular methods for evaluating risk.  This method scores the likelihood and severity from 1 to 5 and then multiplies the two together to give an overall risk rating. For example, for likelihood a score of 1 maybe viewed as highly unlikely and a score of 5 highly probable. For severity, a score of 1 maybe viewed as no injury whereas a score 5 may indicate a fatality.  Scores between 1 and 5 would then be given an suitable weighting.   A Simpler 3 x 3 matrix's is also widely used within the safety management systems of many  organizations.

What is RISK ASSESSMENT?

A systematic and careful examination of the workplace, work activity, working environment and those people who maybe at risk.  Risk assessment identifies what might go wrong and how, with an evaluation of any identified hazards undertaken to determine the measures needed to prevent or minimise the harm.  Workers and others have a right to be protected from harm caused by a failure to take reasonable control measures. Risk assessments are generally undertaken in three clearly-defined stages: (although it should be mentioned that the Health and Safety Executive guidance further breaks these 3 steps into 5 steps). 1. identification of all the hazards; 2. evaluation of the risks; and 3. implementation of measures to eliminate or control the risks. TIRA - Task Inventory and Risk Assessments Windows based Risk Assessment Software Sample of a risk assessment input form used in the TIRA software TIRA takes the hard work out of risk assessing and simplifies the risk assessors workload.  TIRA helps the risk assessor complete the following occupational health and safety risk assessments: 1. Task Inventory (break the task down) 2. Task Based (general risk assessments) 3. Display Screen Equipment (DSE) 4. Manual Handling 5. Work Equipment 6. Workplace 7. Hazardous Substances 8. Fire Premises 9. First Aid 10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)