Global Community

Last week, we looked at Clause 6.1.2.1 Hazard identification. This week, we shall look at Clause 6.1.2.2: Assessment of OH&S risks and other risks to the OH&S management system

6.1.2.2: Assessment of OH&S risks and other risks to the OH&S management system

Excerpt from the standard

The organisation shall establish, implement and maintain process(es) to:

1. Assess OH&S risks from the identified hazards, while taking into account of the effectiveness of existing controls

2. Determine and  assess other risks related to the establishment, implementation, operation and maintenance of the OH&S management system.

The organisation methodology(ies) and criteria for the  assessment of OH&S risks shall be defined with respect to their scope, nature and timing to ensure they are proactive rather than reactive and are used in a systematic way. Documented information shall be maintained and retained on the methodology(ies) and criteria. 

This is simple and quite straightforward. We are expected to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to identify hazards and assess risks, as well as to identify and assess other risks related to the establishment, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the OH&S management system, and subsequently evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls. 

When conducting a risk assessment, all detailed information regarding the methodology and criteria used must be made available. This includes, for example, a risk matrix that determines the likelihood and level of possible consequences. A comprehensive risk assessment document must contain all of this information. 

Clause 6.1.2.2 requires us to adopt a proactive approach to risk management. It is clear that OH&S risks originate from the hazard identification process covered in Clause 6.1.2.1 (refer to our previous discussion). Additionally, other risks should have been identified in Clauses 4.1 and 4.2. Furthermore, the standard identifies subsequent risks in Clause 6.1.3 and Clause 8.1.

Note that risk assessment is an ongoing activity. As we conduct our operations, we are likely to discover new hazards and must update the risk register accordingly.

Next week, we shall look at clause 6.1.2.3: Assessment of OH&S opportunities and other opportunities to the OH&S management system

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