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Last week, we looked at Clause 6.1: Actions to address the risks and opportunities. This week, we shall look atClause 6.1.2 Hazard identification and assessment of risk and opportunities  . 

Clause 6.1.2

Hazard identification and assessment of risk and opportunities

From the title, you can understand that this clause is completely based on risk assessment. The first step of the five-step risk assessment process is hazard identification. Our training on NEBOSH IGC covers this in detail.

6.1.2.1 Hazard identification

The organisation shall establish, implement and maintain a process(es) for hazard identification that is ongoing and proactive. The process(es) shall take into account , but not limited to:

1. How work is organised), social factors ( including workload, work hours, victimization, harassment and bullying, leadership and the culture in the organisation,

First and foremost we develop procedures for hazard identification, risk and opportunities register.

The standard simplifies hazard identification by directing you where to look, as illustrated above and in the guidelines below. For example, excessive workload is a hazard in itself, and night shifts usually present more hazards than day shifts due to visibility issues. Bullying is another psychological hazard that can affect mental health 

2. Routine and non routine activities and situations, including hazard arising from

1. Infrastructure, equipment, materials, substances and other physical conditions of the workplace

2. Products and services designs, research, development, testing, production, assembly, construction, service delivery, maintenance and disposal

3. Human factors

4. How the work is performed

The 5P technique for hazard identification is well captured above: product, plant, property, people, and procedures. 

3. past relevant incidents, internal or external to the organisation, including emergencies, and their causes

Reviewing past incident documentation will also help identify hazards. 

4.  potential emergency situations1. people, including consideration of:Those with access to the workplace and their activities , including workers, contractors, visitors and other persons2. Those In the vicinity of the workplace who can be affected by the activities of the organisation

3. Workers at a location not under the direct control of the organisation

As mentioned earlier in the 5P technique, 'people' represents the workers performing tasks at the workplace, whether they are under the control of the organization or not-for example, contractors on site.

5. other issues, including consideration of:

1. The design of work areas, processes, installations, machineries/equipments, operating procedures and work organisation, including their adaptations to the needs and capabilities of the workers involved

2. Situations occurring in the vicinity of the workplace caused by work related activities under the control of the organisation

3. Situations not controlled by the organisation and occurring in the vicinity of the workplace that can cause injury and ill health to persons in the workplace

The operational environment must be considered as well; activities of your organization can create hazards for others in the vicinity, just as the activities of others can create hazards for your organization. 

6. actual or proposed changes in organisations,operation,  processes, activities and the OH &S management system ( see 8.1.3)

Any changes in the organization will invariably introduce new hazards into the workplace, so we must identify and control them. Clause 8.1.3 addresses this in detail 

7. changes in knowledge of and information about hazards

This is particularly relevant for organizations with high turnover. For example, when a competent health and safety professional resigns, a gap in knowledge and information is created. Furthermore, new knowledge and information about hazards can emerge from various sources, such as industry newsletters, OH&S updates, and feedback from workers. 

Next week, we shall look at clause 6.1.2.2: Assessment of OH&S risks and other risks to the OH&S management system

Thank you! I appreciate your warm wishes and look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Note: Extracts from the standard document are in italics.