Work Safe BC has released a new information sheet that outlines the “Basics of risk management” broken down into four steps to a health and safe workplace. The four basic steps include:
- Understand the level of risk in the workplace.
- Implement appropriate measures.
- Communicate policies and protocols to all workers.
- Monitor measures regularly and update them as required.
A workplace risk is classified based on two factors, including chance and potential severity. The greater the chance and potential severity, the higher the risk to workplace safety. The chart below provided by Work Safe BC illustrates this risk assessment.
Risks should therefore be controlled using the hierarchy of controls, with the greatest risk being addressed first.
- Elimination: physically remove the hazard
- Substitution: replace the hazard
- Engineering Controls: isolate people from the hazard
- Administrative Controls: change the way people work
- PPE: protect the worker with personal protective equipment
More information can be found on the Work Safe BC website to work towards a safer and healthier workplace environment