Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification in ISO 45001:2018

Introduction

Risk assessment and hazard identification are essential components of any effective Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the importance of these processes, with the introduction of ISO 45001:2018, the international standard for OHSMS. In this blog, we will explore the concept of risk assessment and hazard identification in ISO 45001:2018 and provide an overview of the key steps involved in the process.

What is ISO 45001:2018?

ISO 45001:2018 is an international standard that outlines the requirements for an OHSMS. This standard provides a framework for organizations to manage their occupational health and safety risks and promote a safe and healthy working environment for employees. ISO 45001:2018 is based on the "Plan-Do-Check-Act" (PDCA) cycle, which involves a continuous process of planning, implementing, monitoring, and improving an organization's OHSMS.

What is Risk Assessment?

Risk assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing potential risks and hazards within an organization. This process involves identifying hazards that could cause harm to employees, assessing the likelihood and severity of those hazards, and implementing measures to control or eliminate those hazards.

The process of risk assessment is an essential component of an effective OHSMS. By identifying potential hazards and risks, organizations can take proactive steps to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. Risk assessment is also an important tool for complying with legal and regulatory requirements related to occupational health and safety.

What is Hazard Identification?

Hazard identification is the process of identifying potential hazards within an organization. Hazards can be defined as anything that has the potential to cause harm or injury to employees. The process of hazard identification involves identifying potential hazards, assessing the likelihood and severity of those hazards, and implementing measures to control or eliminate those hazards.

Workplace Inspections: This method involves physically examining the workplace to identify potential hazards. The inspection can be conducted by management, employees, or an external consultant. It is a proactive approach that enables the organization to identify hazards before they cause harm to employees.

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA): This method involves analyzing each task performed by employees to identify potential hazards. This approach helps organizations to understand the risks associated with each task and identify appropriate controls to mitigate those risks.

Incident and Accident Investigation: This method involves analyzing incidents and accidents that have occurred in the workplace to identify their underlying causes. This approach enables organizations to identify hazards that may have been overlooked during the risk assessment process and implement appropriate controls.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS): This method involves reviewing the SDSs for the chemicals used in the workplace to identify potential hazards. SDSs provide information on the properties of chemicals, potential hazards, and recommended control measures.

Employee Feedback: This method involves soliciting feedback from employees on potential hazards in the workplace. Employees are often the first to notice hazards, and their feedback can be valuable in identifying and mitigating hazards.

Expert Opinion: This method involves consulting with subject matter experts to identify potential hazards. Experts can provide valuable insights into hazards that may not be immediately apparent to those not familiar with a specific process or equipment.

ISO 45001:2018 outlines a specific process for conducting risk assessment and hazard identification. This process involves several steps, including:

Step 1: Establishing the Scope

The first step in the risk assessment and hazard identification process is to establish the scope of the assessment. This involves identifying the specific areas of the organization that will be included in the assessment and determining the objectives of the assessment.

Step 2: Identifying Hazards

The second step in the process is to identify hazards within the organization. This involves identifying potential hazards and assessing the likelihood and severity of those hazards. This step can be accomplished through a variety of methods, including workplace inspections, employee interviews, and reviewing incident reports.

Step 3: Assessing Risks

The third step in the process is to assess the risks associated with identified hazards. This involves evaluating the likelihood and severity of potential incidents resulting from identified hazards. This step is critical in determining the level of risk associated with each hazard and prioritizing the hazards that require immediate attention.

Step 4: Implementing Controls

The fourth step in the process is to implement controls to mitigate the risks associated with identified hazards. This involves implementing measures to control or eliminate hazards, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Step 5: Monitoring and Reviewing

The fifth and final step in the process is to monitor and review the effectiveness of the controls implemented. This involves regularly reviewing the risk assessment and hazard identification process to ensure that it remains effective and up-to-date.

Hazard identification is a crucial component of an effective OHSMS. By identifying potential hazards, organizations can take proactive steps to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. Hazard identification is also an essential tool for complying with legal and regulatory requirements related to occupational health and safety.