Risk Evaluation inside the Business Warnings Generate - Assignment Example

Hazard Name Course Name and Code Instructor’s Name Date Table of Contents Introduction 3 Hazard identification 3 Where the hazards exist and the activities associated with them 4 Why the choice of the hazard and the problems they pose 4 Energy damage model, and the ways in which the hazards may cause damage to the human body 5 Risk Assessment 5 Merits of assessing the risk versus controlling the risk 6 The most appropriate risk assessment techniques for the hazards and reasons for choosing the techniques 7 The identification of threats 7 Estimate risk 7 Manage risk 8 Review 8 Control 8 Duties of the designers, suppliers, managers and Workers in controlling risks with regard to the model Work Health and Safety Act and Work Health and Safety Regulations model 9 Managers 9 Designers 9 Suppliers 9 Workers 10 Application of the relevant risk control framework using the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice 10 Application of each element of the control framework 10 Internal environment 10 Risk assessment 11 Control activities 11 Communication and information flows 11 Monitoring 11 Summary of the possible failings 11 Merits of the controls 12 sReferences 13 Introduction A hazard is a condition that a certain level of threat to the health of an individual, life, environment or property (Jones, 1994). Majority of the hazards are potential or dormant a risk with theoretical risk of harm only. A risk creates a sense of emergency when it becomes active. In addition it does not exist when it is not taking place (Jones, 1994).. When a hazardous situation already passes it is known as an incident. Hazards are classified into three categories which include; dormant whereby the situation is potentially hazardous but no property, life or environment is in danger; armed meaning that there is a potential harm on the way and active which means that an incident involving the hazard has happened. Hazards are as a result of manmade causes, natural causes or retribution or deadly force (Jones, 1994). This report seeks to undertake an in depth risk identification, assessment and control process to enable the one to gain knowledge and experience in identifying and controlling hazards (Jones, 1994).. Hazard identification This is a process use to determine whether the exposure harm can increase the incidence of particular adverse health effects to the human body (Jones, 1994).. For instance in the event of a chemical stressor, the process of hazard identification examines the available information for the chemical or group of chemicals in order to come up with comprehensive data regarding the relationship between the chemical and the negative effects it has caused (Jones, 1994).. Where the hazards exist and the activities associated with them The physical hazard in question is as a result of machinery being used at a construction company. The machinery could be used for lifting objects that are necessary in construction within the company. On the other hand, the health hazard identified in the construction company is noise. The noise is produced by the machinery when it is running. Why the choice of the hazard and the problems they pose The hazards were chosen because it is apparent that many people get injured whilst carrying out their duties in construction companies (MacCollum, 2006). Most injuries reported from the construction companies are of falling objects from the lifting machineries and too much noise produced while the machineries are running. Measures have been put in place to mitigate the problem but the problem remains an issue of concern. The physical hazard could pose a number of potential threats to the life of the workers (MacCollum, 2006). They include injuries as objects fall on them from the machinery. In addition during the servicing of the same machinery the employees gets into contact with substances for instance and this could result to skin cancer and severe dermatitis. Moreover the employee can get their body parts such as the fingers, arm, hand trapped by the moving parts of the machinery during the servicing. Besides the employee can inhale dangerous exhaust fumes from the machinery as it works and this could harm their health in that they could have breathing difficulties and eye irritation. Noise will be harmful to the worker in that he or she could suffer from ear problem and damaged hearing capability. Energy damage model, and the ways in which the hazards may cause damage to the human body The energy damage model is a problematic engineering approach which requires the workplace to identify the all the various types and forms of potentially harmful energy sources and controls such loss by designing away the problem that in all probability may present a problem for the actor (Haddon, 2001) ). It is apparent that the energy may not pose threat to the individuals Haddon, (2001). The problem comes about when there is an unwanted harmful energy that is unexpectedly transferred to the employees due to lack of knowledge Haddon, W. (2001) . The hazards may cause death to the human body as a result of unsafe conditions as well as the workers individual traits Haddon, W. (2001). The hazards pose such threats as damaged hearing due to excessive noise, breathing difficulties and eye irritation as a result of the dangerous fumes from the machinery, injuries and death from the falling objects and skin cancer as a result of the machinery oil Haddon, W. (2001). Risk Assessment Risk assessment is a term used to refer to the practice of identifying the kinds of hazards present in a work place and the possible risks or harm that such hazards may cause to individuals (Jones, 1994). It is an aspect of systematic procedure to health and safety. Risk assessment is a responsibility placed on all employers but the consent of the employees and their respective representatives is needed before the process is out. Their knowledge and understanding of the occupation should be integrated into the assessments. To be precise, risk assessment should be keen on all the features of the job dealings, taking into consideration what happens as the staffs are working, consider those prone to risks as well as the working of the organization (Roughton, 2002). The rationale of risk assessment in any organization is to allow the employer to categorize and rate the preventive and control measures required (Haimes, 2009). In addition the employers are bound by laws and regulation to carry out an assessment on the risks at their workplaces. Risk assessment is of paramount as it helps in employee protection, protection of the business and helps in abiding by the law (Haimes, 2009). The law doesn’t expect employers to get rid of all risk, but they are necessitated to guard workers as far as is ‘reasonably feasible (Jones, 1994). Merits of assessing the risk versus controlling the risk According to studies, it is apparent that performing a risk assessment is very important to any company (Hardin, 2011). This is due to the fact that risk assessment helps the company keep track of all the harmful situations that can cause possible threats to the health as well as the wellbeing of the workers of the company (Hardin, 2011). This way the company is able to prepare for the unforeseen occurrences. In addition risk assessment the classification of suitable cautionary measures to be instigated as well as identifying the group that is susceptible to the hazards (Hardin, 2011). Risk control on the other hand is the application of preventive measures to prevent the risk from happening. It is very important for a company to carry out the risk assessment to have a clear understanding of the possible risks so as to know the right measures to apply in preventing the occurrence of the incident depending on the nature of the hazard and the operating environment (Hardin, 2011). Controlling risks saves the company from suffering loss in terms of human life due to death and property as a result of destruction (Hubbard, 2009)). The most appropriate risk assessment techniques for the hazards and reasons for choosing the techniques The most appropriate risk assessment techniques to be applied in the construction company include; The identification of threats The first step that the construction company should take is identifying the threats facing the company (Haime, 2009). This include human threats from the individual or the company at large, procedural from internal systems and controls, technical from the technological failures as well as natural from the weather, accident, disease and natural disaste (Haime, 2009). The reason for carrying out the threat analysis is important because it ensures that no threats are overlooked since a clear analysis is done to identify the vulnerabilities within the company so as to develop preventive measures (Haime, 2009). Estimate risk This is the second technique that the construction company should undertake (Haime, 2009). Risk estimate entails the evaluation of the impacts the identified threats are likely to cause. In order to achieve this, the company should ensure it makes the estimates for the probable risk then do a calculation by multiplying the estimate with the cost it might incur in preventing the risk from occurring (Haime, 2009). In our case the construction company should multiply the value they get from the possible threat as a result of the failure of technology with the estimated cost to be incurred. This will help them get the value they require for the risk (Haime, 2009). Manage risk This is the third method of risk assessment. After getting the right value for the risk, the company should think of how to manage it (Haime, 2009). When performing risk management it is important that the company chooses the most cost effective method. According to studies, it is of no use to spend more in an attempt to eradicate a risk than its cost if it occurs. Usually it is in order to accept the risk than spending too much to eradicate it. The company may manage the risk by making use of the existing resources (Haime, 2009). This entails improving on the existing systems and methods. In addition, it can be managed by a proper contingency plan. This is accepting the risk and developing an appropriate plan to reduce its effects once it occurs. Lastly, the company may invest in new resources for instance insuring the risk (Haime, 2009). Mostly this is applicable if the risks are so great to threaten your life, that of your employees or the company at large (Haime, 2009). Review Lastly the company should carry out reviews regularly in order to ensure that the environment remains safe for its employees and for the sake of the company. The review involves testing the systems to ensure they are in order (Haime, 2009). Control Risk is the application of preventive measures to prevent the risk from happening. Duties of the designers, suppliers, managers and Workers in controlling risks with regard to the model Work Health and Safety Act and Work Health and Safety Regulations model Work Health and Safety Act 1995 is a model that is about work place health and safety (Queensland 1995). Its main objective is to ensure that prevention of death, illness or injury to an individual as a result of the workplace, the work activities or the plant in the workplace by minimizing the risk through a framework. On the other hand the Work Health and Safety Regulations model are the law and regulations are put in place to ensure that all the relevant parties abide by these rules (Queensland 1995). Managers Managers have the obligation of ensuring that the planning and management of the construction work is done in a manner that minimizes or prevents the risks to the health and safety of the persons responsible for the construction and those who are present during the construction (Queensland 1995). Designers The designer is obligated to design the plant in a safe manner and without any risk of health when properly used and; that he gives information to the entity using the usage of the plant to ensure health and safety (Queensland 1995). Suppliers The obligations of the supplier at a workplace are; to take reasonable measures to ensure that the substance supplied is not harmful to the persons working in the construction company and to ensure that the company is accompanied by adequate information about the use (Queensland 1995). Workers The models require the worker to; to conform to the instructions by the employer on workplace health and safety and any construction contractors at the workplace, not to place any other person’s life at risk willingly and not to cause injury to oneself willingly (Queensland 1995).. Application of the relevant risk control framework using the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice A risk control framework is defined as a data structure which organizes the internal activities of a company such as practices and procedures to minimize risks and create business value (COSO, 2011). The frameworks main aspects are; internal control environment, setting objectives, event identification, risk assessment, risk response, control activities, information and communication as well as monitoring (COSO, 2011). On the hand the model Work Health and Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice are set rules and that are set to govern the employer and the employee on how to manage the exposure to a risk by taking the necessary reasonable precautions (Safe work Australia, 2009). Application of each element of the control framework Internal environment This is the culture of the organization that influences workplace integrity, ethical behaviour, compliance and risk consciousness of its employees. It includes duty delegation, rewards, incentives and rules and procedures (COSO, 2011). For the case of the construction company, it includes how the employees are treated to ensure their competency. Risk assessment The process risk identification of the threats to the organization is known as risk assessment. For instance the construction company can perform a risk assessment through mapping activities which minimize the risks as well as developing a response plan that suits their entity (COSO, 2011). Control activities These are the activities that are established to ensure that the risk management responses put in place is effectively carried out. For example they are analytical and operating response performance (COSO, 2011). Communication and information flows This entails the passing of information across the organization. For instance the construction company should ensure that they provide clear and right information to the employees to ensure they perform their duties effectively (COSO, 2011). Monitoring This is reviewing the project often to ensure that the controls are all in order as well as to identify any irregularities (COSO, 2011). For instance a company should ensure it has check points by the management and the employees. Summary of the possible failings In the internal development if the employees are not treated in a satisfactory manner or in a way that they feel demotivated, they do not deliver and this may affect the company’s aim to achieve risk reduction (MacCollum, 2006). The company should ensure its employees are satisfied and appreciated so as to deliver their duties effectively. The risk assessment within the company may fail if the company choses a response plan that not aligned with the company’s tolerance to risks (MacCollum, 2006). The response plan to be used should be one that is in line with the entity’s tolerance to risk. The success of the control activities depends on the systems of control integrated in the operations (COSO, 2011. The company may fail to achieve its goals if it makes the wrong choice of the systems controls (MacCollum, 2006). The company should consult experts in a systems control that is suitable for their operations. If the company has delayed, inaccurate and inaccessible information may draw back the attempts to minimize risks (MacCollum, 2006). To avoid this, the company should ensure it adopts a timely and accurate communication Failure to constantly review the controls may lead to the company facing threat unknowingly due to the fact that they could not detect the anomaly in time to address it (MacCollum, 2006). Therefore it is important for the company to constantly carry out reviews of the controls. Merits of the controls Controls helps those, working in an organization develop an amount of structure (COSO, 2011. In addition it is an easy method to propagate the status and it helps people put into consideration the activities they are undertaking (COSO, 2011. Moreover, through the monitoring, the company or organization is able to keep track of its progress and the risks it is facing. The most appropriate control framework for an organization is one that supports stewardship, informed decision making, compliance as well as manages risks to help the company achieve its operational objectives (COSO, 2011. sReferences Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Tread way Commission (COSO). (2011). Internal Control - Integrated Framework and the Enterprise Risk Management – Integrated Framework, accessed on November 4, 2011 Haddon, W. (2001). Energy Damage and the Ten Countermeasure Strategies. The Journal of Trauma, 13(4)  Haimes, Y., (2009). Risk Modeling, assessment, and management. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hardin, S., (2011). The Benefits of Risk Assessment. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-Risk-Assessment&id=4951963 Hubbard, D. (2009). The Failure of Risk Management: Why It's Broken and How to Fix It. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Jones, D. (1994). Nonmenclature For hazard and Risk Assessment in the Process Industries, 2nd Ed. Institute of Chemical Engineers, United Kingdom. MacCollum, D. (2006). Construction Safety Engineering Principles: Designing and Managing Safer Job Sites. Melbourne: McGraw-Hill Professional. Queensland. (1995). Workplace Health and Safety Act. Retrieved from http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/legisltn/current/w/workplhsaa95.pdf Roughton, J. (2002). Developing an Effective Safety Culture: A Leadership Approach, 1st Ed. London, Butterworth-Heinemann. Safe Work Australia. (2009). Model Work Health and Safety Regulations and model Codes of Practice. Read More