Risk Management
WHS risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling workplace health and safety risks to prevent harm to workers, visitors, and others who may be affected by the organization's activities.
Think of it as a way of systematically evaluating the risks associated with various work activities and implementing controls to minimize those risks. This includes identifying potential hazards in the workplace, assessing the likelihood and severity of harm, and implementing measures to eliminate or control the risk.
WHS risk management involves four key steps:
Identify hazards: This involves identifying potential hazards in the workplace, such as unsafe machinery, hazardous chemicals, or slippery floors.
Assess the risk: This involves evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm associated with each hazard. This helps to prioritize risks and determine the appropriate controls to implement.
Implement controls: This involves putting in place measures to eliminate or control the risks identified. This might include modifying equipment or work processes, providing protective equipment, or providing training and education to employees.
Monitor and review: This involves regularly reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of the controls implemented to ensure that they remain effective and relevant.
By implementing an effective WHS risk management process, organizations can reduce the likelihood and severity of workplace incidents and create a safer and healthier workplace for employees and others.