OH&S Consulting

Risk Assessment & Risk Management

AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009: Risk Management Principles and guidelines (formerly AS/NZS 4360:2004) defines risk management as the culture, process and structures that are directed towards realizing potential opportunities whilst managing adverse effects.

At ESP - Environmental & Safety Professionals (ESP), the risk management process we employ for our clients includes:

• Hazard identification.
• Risk assessment.
• Control measures (Hierarchy of controls).
• Monitor and review.

Management control plans and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) - formerly Job Safety Analysis, JSA - ensure the risk management process is a success.

Hierarchy of controls
A hierarchy of controls helps to prevent or reduce a hazard. The hierarchy of hazard control includes:

Elimination: Control the hazard at its source by eliminating the need for the hazardous activity. Substitution: Reduce the hazard by using an alternative that is less hazardous. Engineering: Use machines or guards to reduce the hazard. Administrative: Impose rules and policies to reduce the hazard. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use PPE to protect individuals from the hazard.

While controlling a risk:

• Always start from the top and work down.
• Elimination should be the most preferred control.
• PPE, safety boots, safety glass, gloves and face masks should only be used as a last resort.

Contact your nearest ESP office for further information.

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