ISO 45001:2018 can be best summed up by the titles of the different ISO 45001 clauses, namely:
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.
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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).
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.
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We have chosen ISO 21001 certification because, unlike IRCA and Exemplar badges (which, in our opinion, are commercially compromised), it is based on independent third-party assessment. It is a 'university grade' standard used globally by schools, colleges, and universities to demonstrate competence.
We provide Courses for ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, Risk Management, Data Protection, and more.