Occupational and Safety Hazard Assessment

Occupational and Safety Hazard Assessment

1. Introduction to Hazard Assessment Occupational and safety hazard assessment is a fundamental component of formal Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS), such as OHSAS 18001. The primary function of this assessment is to systematically provide details regarding potential hazards, the persons at risk, the level of risk, and the necessary preventive or protective control measures required for construction activities (Griffith, 2011).

2. Hazard Identification The first step of the assessment involves identifying what can go wrong, why, and how.

  • Traditional Methods: Hazards are commonly identified by reviewing project contract requirements, regulatory standards, and company accident histories, followed by the use of checklists and informal or formal site inspections (Unknown Author, n.d.).
  • Technological Methods: Because site inspections during the construction phase are often rushed due to tight competitive tendering and schedules, the industry is increasingly using pre-construction tools. Virtual Reality (VR) combined with OHS hazard databases can allow users to click on 3D building components (like a slab) to retrieve checklists of associated hazards before construction begins (Lingard & Rowlinson, 2005).

3. Risk Evaluation and The Risk Matrix Once hazards are identified, their magnitude must be evaluated to prioritize which risks require immediate attention.

  • Probability and Severity: Risk is universally defined as the product of the likelihood (probability) of an incident occurring and the severity (consequence) of that incident (Unknown Author, n.d.; El-Reedy, 2011).
  • Risk Assessment Matrix: Assessors plot these two variables on a Risk Assessment Impact Matrix or a Risk Assessment Code (RAC) chart. This categorizes the hazard into a distinct risk priority level—such as Low, Moderate, High, or Extremely High/Extreme risk (Rumane, 2013; Unknown Author, n.d.). This helps project managers determine the manageability of the risk and allocate resources accordingly (El-Reedy, 2011).

4. Key Assessment Tools and Techniques Organizations are generally free to choose the methods through which they assess workplace risks, though this can pose a challenge for small businesses unfamiliar with formal risk management concepts (Lingard & Rowlinson, 2005). Common tools range from qualitative site assessments to probabilistic quantitative methods:

  • Job Hazard Analysis (JHA): Evaluates hazards associated with a broader job scope. Assessors break down the job sequence into individual steps, identify the hazards associated with each step, and develop specific control measures. JHAs should prioritize jobs with the highest Risk Assessment Codes, such as crane rigging or demolition (Unknown Author, n.d.).
  • Pre-Task Plan (PTP): An on-site assessment tool used to evaluate hazards associated with a specific daily task, often referencing the broader JHA to instruct crews immediately before work begins (Unknown Author, n.d.).
  • HAZOP and CHAIR: Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies are adapted for construction design as the Construction Hazard Implication Review (CHAIR). Multi-disciplinary teams (engineers, safety specialists, architects) use specific guidewords (e.g., "load/force," "timing," "movement") to systematically brainstorm and assess OHS risks inherent in conceptual designs (Lingard & Rowlinson, 2005).
  • Human Reliability Assessment (HRA): Because human error is involved in the majority of occupational accidents, HRA focuses specifically on the interface between technological systems and human operators, aiming to quantify and classify potential human errors during the assessment phase (Lingard & Rowlinson, 2005).

5. Implementation and Continuous Review Best practices dictate that hazard assessment should be a continuous cycle (assess the task, identify hazards, define safe methods, implement, monitor, and review). Furthermore, hazard assessments are heavily integrated into broader site planning documents, such as the Site Specific Safety Plan (SSSP), to ensure that both field and office activities are continuously evaluated for exposure to potential safety and health hazards (Unknown Author, n.d.).

























Bibliography

  • El-Reedy, M. A. (2011). Construction management for industrial projects: a modular guide for project managers. Scrivener Publishing / John Wiley & Sons.
  • Griffith, A. (2011). Integrated Management Systems for Construction: Quality, Environment and Safety. Routledge.
  • Lingard, H., & Rowlinson, S. (2005). Occupational Health and Safety in Construction Project Management. Spon Press.
  • Rumane, A. R. (2013). Quality tools for managing construction projects. CRC Press.
  • Unknown Author. (n.d.). SHIP Best-Practices Handbook. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Safety and Health Investment Projects.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

P1 Construction Quality Implementation Plan for a Multi-storeyed Building

Construction Quality Implementation Plan for a Multi-storeyed Building A Construction Quality Implementation Plan, frequently referred to as a Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (CQCP) or Project Quality Plan, is a fundamental, tailor-made document that sets out the specific quality activities, resources, and procedures pertaining to a particular project. It translates company-wide quality management systems into a specific plan to demonstrate to the client exactly how the project's quality requirements will be fulfilled. Below is a comprehensive implementation plan tailored for a multi-storeyed building project: 1. Purpose and Project Description Purpose: The plan provides the mechanism to achieve the specified quality by identifying the procedures, controls, instructions, and tests required during construction to meet the owner’s objectives and ensure compliance with contract specifications. Project Description: The facility comprises a multi-storeyed building featuring multi...
Read more

Quality management systems and methods

Image
Construction Quality Management Systems and Methods Construction is Not Manufacturing Unlike factory goods, construction projects are  custom-made, non-repetitive, and immovable. Quality is defined by the total management approach to the facility, not just the product itself. I. Introduction to Quality in Construction A. Definition and Nature Unique Context: Unlike manufacturing, construction projects are custom-made, non-repetitive, and immovable. Quality must be defined not just by the product, but by the total management approach to completing the facility,. Core Definitions: Juran: "Fitness for use". Crosby: "Conformance to requirements". ISO Definition: The totality of characteristics of an entity that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs. The Construction Project Trilogy: Quality is inextricably linked to the balance of three components: Defined Scope Schedule (Time) Budget (Cost). B. Quality Assurance (QA) vs. Q...
Read more

Cause-and-effect (Fishbone) diagram

Image
1. The Layman’s Intro: The "Car Won't Start" Analogy Understand the core logic of this tool using a simple, everyday analogy: troubleshooting a car that won't start. Imagine you wake up, get into your car, turn the key, and hear nothing but a click. The car not starting is the "Effect" (the problem). If you were to draw this, "Car Won't Start" goes in a box at the far right, like the head of a fish. Instead of randomly guessing what is wrong, you brainstorm major categories of potential issues to form the "bones" of the fish: Electrical: Is the battery dead? (If yes, why? Left the headlights on). Fuel: Is the gas tank empty? Is there a leak? Mechanical: Is the starter motor broken? Human Error: Is the car not actually in "Park"? The Fishbone diagram visually organizes your troubleshooting process. It forces you to look at every possible category of failure rather than jumping to the most obvious conclusion. By repeated...
Read more