You'll need OH&S Risk Management Methods & Tools
Unlike ISO 9001, the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) Standard requires the application of OH&S Risk Management Methods in Clause 6.1.
What is ISO 45001:2018 About?
ISO 45001:2018 can be best summed up by the titles of the different ISO 45001 clauses, namely:
- Actions to address risks and opportunities - general (ISO 45001:2018 Clause 6.1.1)
- Hazard identification (in the workplace) (ISO 45001:2018 Clause 6.1.2.1)
- Assessment of OH&S risks and other risks to the OH&S management system (ISO 45001:2018 Clause 6.1.2.2)
- Assessment of OH&S opportunities and other opportunities to the OH&S management system (ISO 45001:2018 Clause 6.1.2.3)
- Legal requirements and other requirements e.g., industry codes of practice (ISO 45001:2018 Clause 6.1.3)
- Planning Action to mitigate (reduce or control) risk (ISO 45001:2018 Clause 6.1.4)
The question then is: What tools and methods can effectively assess workplace hazards and guide us towards effective actions to control them? Below are some answers.
Analysis of OH&S Risk Assessment Tools & Methodologies
A useful review of risk assessment tools and methods was included in OHSAS 18001. We've updated it.
A word of warning: There is a tendency not to regularly review and update these tools. This is a serious mistake, as initial use is frequently based largely on expert opinion, whereas reviews and updates are based on outcomes and measurements—in short, facts.
Assessment Tools Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses |
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Assessment Tool |
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
|
Checklists/ Questionnaires |
Easy to use Use can prevent "missing something" in initial evaluations |
Often limited to yes/no answers Only as good as the checklist used - it may not consider unique situations |
|
Risk Matrices |
Relatively easy to use Provides visual representation Doesn't require the use of numbers |
Only 2-dimensional - can't consider multiple factors impacting risk A pre-determined answer may not be appropriate to the situation |
|
Ranking / Voting Tables |
Relatively easy to use Suitable for capturing expert opinion Allows for consideration of multiple risk factors (e.g. severity, probability, detectability, data uncertainty) |
Requires use of numbers If the quality of the data is not good, the results will be poor This can result in a comparison of incomparable risks |
|
Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA); Hazard and operability studies (HAZOP) |
Good for detailed analysis of processes Allows input of technical data |
Needs expertise to use it Needs numerical data to input into analysis Takes resources (time & money) Better for risks associated with equipment than those related to human factors |
|
Exposure Assessment Strategy |
Good for analysis of data associated with hazardous materials and environments A fundamental activity if the consistency of approach and realistic evaluation of risk is to be achieved |
Needs the expertise to use Needs numerical data to input Often requires the use of workplace monitoring and measuring equipment |
|
Computer Modelling |
If you have the data, computer modeling can give good answers Best for larger workplaces where enough data is more likely available Generally, uses numerical inputs and is less subjective |
Significant time and money needed to develop and validate Potential for over-reliance on the results without questioning their validity |
Examples of Applications of Risk Assessment Tools
A combination of these tools is needed for an effective site-wide OH&S risk assessment. For example, checklists are often best for assessing human workplace activities, while FMEAs are frequently chosen for assessing workplace processes (where the assessment is focused step-by-step on the activities that make up the process).
Where to Get Risk Management Tools
Our ISO 45001 training courses, ISO 45001 Lead Implementer and ISO 45001 Transition Training, both include Risk Management Tools in their ISO 45001 Documentation Toolkit.
Related Articles
- Workplace Safety Overview
- Free ISO 45001 Implementation Handbook (200+ pages)
- ISO 14971 Risk Management: 12 FAQs answered (downloadable PDF file attached)
- The Swiss Cheese Model of Risk Management Explained
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