|
Most worthwhile projects or goals require a number of steps, plus perseverance as time passes, in order to complete and achieve. High-value projects and goals almost invariably require meticulous planning, several steps over a period of time and perseverance to keep it going and see the project right through to the end. Setting out to control health and safety risk is no exception. Here is how you could accomplish that in a mere 5 easy steps, as part of a health and safety risk assessment exercise. Step 1. The first step is to assess whether there is a way of doing a task or job that will avoid the risk altogether. I was watching some window cleaners recently who were cleaning first floor windows very effectively while using a long carbon fiber rod with a hose and window cleaning attachment to clean all the windows in the building. They had completely avoided the risk of falling from height, by standing at ground level throughout the task. This will be important because unless you give this step careful thought you may miss the opportunity to make an activity far safer than it would be otherwise. In the event you skip or ignore this, you will miss out on the biggest win-win that can come from risk control. Step 2. Substitute the task or job with a less risky alternative. In the example of window cleaning that might comprise using a cherry picker access vehicle to get to the upper floor windows, not a ladder, because accident statistics have shown that a ladder is more risky. This can be a crucial step that will need your full attention. Do it right this way: By using your ingenuity. It is true that the safer solution may cost money initially, but it will normally pay big dividends in the long term. The primary reason why it is best to control risk this way is the avoidance of injury, human suffering, and the huge cost of accidents when they occur. Step 3. Combat risks at source. The reason for this is to reduce the risk at their source (such as reducing back strain risk by reducing package weights), can bring big benefits in reduced injury. In addition to that, you will want to be imaginative, and come up with new ways to combat risk at source wherever possible. Step 4. Control the risk with safe systems. To elaborate on that a bit, I would say that for many tasks there will be remaining risks, so the next step is to ensure that safe systems are used at all times. This usually involves the use of training and constant vigilance to ensure that the safe working methods are used all the time. Step 5. Control with PPE (personal protective equipment). Many people think that, PPE is the solution to a lot of Health and Safety problems. However, safety experts will point out that human nature dictates that people very often won't wear PPE for all sorts of reasons. It may be uncomfortable, hot, unfashionable looking, or it may get in the way of doing the job. Sooner or later it gets left off and should not therefore be used as anything other than a last line of protection after the risk is reduced by the preceding steps, to a very low level. So next, having followed the above mentioned instructions to a "T", you should have succeeded and can now benefit from the fruits of that success. You could be a little bit proud of yourself and self-satisfied! You set out to accomplish your goal and you just succeeded! Now enjoy!
Related Articles -
Health, Safety, Health and Safety,
|
