Risks Assessment of Work Environment of Titanic Cove Resort - Essay Example

Risks Assessment of Work Environment of Titanic Cove Resort Executive Summary The case of Titanic Cove Resort highlights certain hazards that are present at the work environment of Titanic Cove Resort. These hazards are causing injuries and illness to staff members and visitors on day-to-day basis. Every other day, a new case is reported related to the illness and injury to someone due to these dangers. The primary reasons, which are the origin of these hazards, include non-compliance with the WHS legislation, lack of health and safety training programs, lack of consideration of senior managers towards these issues and lack of measures for the treatment of risks associated with these hazards. This paper analyzes all the hazards, which are present at the work place of Titanic Cove Resort as well as the risks associated with each hazard. Moreover, this paper puts forward suggestions and suitable measures for dealing with these hazards in order to reduce their riskiness. Cost benefit analysis has also been done to state the costs and benefits related to non-compliance of the legislation, hazards and recommended controls. At the end, risks assessment table has been attached in order to provide the glimpse of overall situation at Titanic Cove Resort. Along with that, an action plan has also been prepared to notify how the suggestions and measures can be put into effect. 1. Identify the breaches in WHS legislation, with specific reference to the legislation that applies in the case study i.e. NSW legislation. WHS Legislation WHS legislations are the legalities and laws that are formulated for the health and safety of workers of organizations. All the employers and workers are required to comply these laws. Non-compliance with these can be hazardous for not only the workers but for the overall organization because if the workers are not performing up to the mark due to hurdles in working environment lack of good health, then it can result in monetary as well as non-monetary loss of company. Examples of monetary losses include loss of profits, increased costs etc whereas non-monetary losses include loss of reputation, brand image and goodwill. Complying with WHS Legislation is compulsory for every organization. Titanic Cove Resort also needs to comply with WHS Legislation because number of hazards and associated risks are present at the work environment of the respective organization. Breaches in Legislation can provide a glimpse of the expected losses that might result in non-compliance of the WHS Legislation. A slight glance of the results of Breaches in WHS Legislation has been mentioned below. Breaches of WHS Compliance Breaches of the compliance can cause serious problems to the worker, employer and the overall organization. Breaches of WHS compliance may result in: Loss of reputation and goodwill of the organization Injuries to workers and other related staff members Fines and penalties (as mentioned under WHS legislation) Criminal prosecution Loss of productivity due to illness and injuries of workers Other disciplinary actions including termination of employment Overview of the above-mentioned results clearly states that it is essential to maintain the compliance of WHS Legislation for the monetary and non-monetary success of every organization. 2. Identify the hazards within the workplace After reviewing the case, it has been observed that numbers of hazards are present at the work environments that are making it difficult for staff members to perform their duties up to the mark since these hazards are becoming hurdles in the trajectory of effective performance of workers. Hazard of Cleaning Substance In the mentioned case, numbers of hazards are present at workplace for instance; the housekeeping staff has been using a new substance for cleaning purposes. Despite of the fact it made the job easier for staff members but, at the same time, it has become a subject of serious concern since it has caused severe troubles to number of staff members. It resulted in illness and injuries to staff which included burns to hands, burns to eyes and breathing difficulties. The problem was caused not only to staff but to guests also. Manual Handling of Heavy Weight Furniture Another issue is about the armed hold up that occurred at a casino nearby. It traumatized one staff member so much that they could not return to work. Moreover, the staff has also been facing problem related to manual handling for shifting of furniture. Number of injuries has been reported due to this problem. The weight of each table is 70 k.gs, which is too heavy to be moved and shifted manually. These tables and other furniture are moved by the staff members frequently and often at the end of the function when staff members are tired. The above-mentioned risks that persist at the work environment have caused injuries and serious illness not only to staff members but to visitors also. Non-compliance with health and safety guidelines has lead to serious troubles and they rate can be increased in future if appropriate action is not taken. 3. Assess the risks associated with the hazards and determine the priority for risk treatment Risks associated with Prior Mentioned Hazards Every hazard has a certain degree of risk behind it. The hazards that are present at the work place can become serious issue if they are not treated properly and given required attention. They need to be treated as soon as possible in order to prevent any uncertain and unpleasant situation. Risks associated with Cleaning Substance Hazards that are present at the workplace include usage of harmful cleaning substance that is causing breathing difficulties as well as burns to hands and eyes. It can be life threatening for people, which are suffering from allergies, sinusitis and diseases like asthma. Not only for ill people, the usage of this chemical can be risky for those also who do not have any major health problem. Risks associated with Heavy Weight Furniture Shifting of heavy weight furniture is another concern for risk. It is very complicated for staff to move and shift this furniture manually. Problems related to back pain and arm and leg injuries can be a frequent occurrence because of this hazard. Other Risks Other incidents have been occurring in casino where intoxicated patrons assault the bar tender and security guard. The reasons for these knock out and fights are the non-compliance with the legal requirements of working in gaming and bar areas. The risks related to these hazards can cause uninvited and unexpected conditions. There are certain risks associated with all the above-mentioned hazards. It is essential to take measures for the treatment of these risks. If these hazards are taken lightly then it can give birth to numerous problems such as loss of customers, time, money as well as health of staff members and visitors. If a single case of death or seriousness of illness of any casualty takes place, then it can harm the overall reputation and goodwill of the organization. 4. Identify appropriate management level controls to address non-compliance with legislation. Management Level Control Management control refers to minimizing or eliminating the risks that are associated with identified hazards. In order to minimize and control risks at various managerial levels, it is essential to assign roles and responsibilities at each level. This notion will be helpful for addressing the issues of non-compliance with legislation because by doing so, it will become feasible to comply with the WHS legislation. Roles and responsibilities for management level control at different managerial level are listed below: Roles and Responsibilities of Line Managers Implementing the processes of management control in their under strict vigilance, accountability and responsibility. Completing online training programs for hazard management Consulting with staff while implementing for appropriate measures for risk control Identifying hazards and completing risk assessment by filing up the Risk Assessment Form Roles and Responsibilities of Staff Not placing others or even themselves at the situations that are exposed to risks and hazards. Reporting to the senior staff about any prevailing hazard that is associated with the work environment, activities or tasks as soon as they get aware of them Utilizing risks and hazards control measures when required Participating fully for identifying prevailing hazards and risks and taking appropriate measures for eliminating them. Every members of the organization is required to understand and be accountable for their roles and responsibilities in order to make Titanic Cove Resort a risk-free workplace. Carelessness and lack of participation can be dangerous and life threatening for the workers as well as visitors of the organization. 5. Identify the risk controls applying the hierarchy of controls for the identified hazards Risk Control Risk control can be achieved by utilizing pre-determined hierarchy of control. The primary objective to control risk is to removing it completely and the only way for achieving this objective is to eliminate the root cause of the risks that is hazard. If it is difficult to remove the hazard completely, and then risk control, measures must be selected from control options of hierarchy in order to minimize the risk. The hierarchy of risk control has been mentioned in the following table: Hierarchy of Controls for the Identified Hazards Preference Measure/ Control Example 1 Eradicate Removing the prevailing hazard entirely from the work environment i.e. taking out the hazardous equipment out of the premises 2 Substitute Replacing the hazardous process or substance with the one that is comparatively less hazardous one 3 Segregation Locking the hazardous substance away under the strict vigilance and surveillance 4 Engineering Redesigning a piece or process to make it less hazardous to use i.e. using a barrier or a guard 5 Administration Providing training and learning programs, information, instruction and safe working practices to the staff and workers 6 Personal Equipment for Protection Utilizing personal protective equipment such as glasses, glovers, safety footwear, earmuff, dust masks, aprons etc In most of the cases, it is beneficial to use more than one risk control measure i.e. back up controls, personal protective equipment etc. Titanic Cove Resort needs to prepare a risk assessment form for evaluating the prevailing risks in the organization. After that, it needs to ponder about the solutions for overcoming those risks and hazards. Expert’s advice and suggestion of professionals can be taken for effective implementation of risk assessment program. 6. Conduct a cost benefit analysis that clearly states the costs and benefits associated with the non-compliance, hazards and recommended controls. Cost Benefit Analysis Hazards that are present in a work environment can become huge cost if not treated appropriately. Ignoring the risks associated with hazards can cause substantial cost to an organization. The following are some relevant cost and benefits associated with risks and hazards. Costs Cost of proper operation, installation, training and maintenance must be taken place Costs incurred by duty holder Non-recoverable cost such as lost units during production processes Ongoing production losses Modifications and redesigning of the prevailing hazards Benefits Reduction in ill health, fatalities, injuries of workers Reduction in environmental damage Increment in health and safety of workers resulting in a more productive workforce Reduction in costs associated with risky and hazardous situation Reduction in monetary losses caused by risky and hazardous situation 7. Describe the consequences of not improving compliance and managing the workplace hazards Before making any crucial decision, at organizational level, it is vital to perform Cost Benefit Analysis also known as CBA. By doing so, managers can get an idea about how to take a specific decision and whether it would be beneficial for the organization’s success or not. In Cost Benefit Analysis, the expected costs associated with the project or decision is calculated. After the cost has been calculated, managers then evaluate the expected benefits that can be enjoyed by incurring these costs. If benefits are greater than cost, then the decision is favorable however, if costs are greater than benefits, then the decision is unfavorable and respective project must not be commenced. Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) The Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) of hazards and risks has already been mentioned. The reason of mentioning costs and benefits is to identify the consequences that might result in not complying with the management of risks and hazards. If, at any workplace, there are certain number of hazards present then definitely they will give rise to various risks. Interaction of people with those risks can not only out their life at stake but can also be dangerous for the overall organization. Therefore, if any hazardous situation or risk is reported, then management must take immediate measures in order to reduce the riskiness of those hazards. Some prominent and adverse consequences of risks and hazards include: Loss of precious life of workers Injuries, fatalities and illness of workers Loss of time and money Ruptured reputation and goodwill Loss of company’s assets Extra cost to be incurred due to accidents and emergencies It is obvious that costs which needs to be incurred in order to reducing risks and hazards from Titanic Cove Resort is highly essential to made because benefits are higher than the costs. If the company still pursues to go forward without taking into account these facts, then there are huge chances of upcoming dangers. Works Cited OHSW & IM procedure, (2011), Hazard Management,. Available from:  http://w3.unisa.edu.au/ohsw/procedures/docs/hazard.pdf [Accessed: Sep 26, 2012]. Read More