Step 2 - Decide who might be harmed and how
Look for the ways that people could be hurt or become ill and at the possible causes of injury or illness. This is also called a risk assessment.
For each hazard:
- estimate the likelihood of an incident occurring at your workplace, bearing in mind existing control measures
- estimate the consequences of an incident occurring at your workplace, bearing in mind existing control measures
Consequences range from:
- extreme - death or permanent disablement
- major - serious bodily injury or serious work caused illness
- moderate - injury or illness requiring casualty treatment
- mild - requiring first aid only with no lost work time
For more information about factors affecting consequences refer to Appendix B of Supplement 2 of the Risk Management Code of Practice 2007.
Likelihood ranges from:
- very likely - could happen frequently
- likely - could happen occasionally
- unlikely - could happen, but rarely
- very unlikely - could happen, but probably never will
For more information about the factors affecting likelihood refer to Appendix A of Supplement 2 of the Risk Management Code of Practice 2007.
Bu combining your likelihood and consequence estimates you can rate the risk. There are many ways of rating risks of injury or illness, two of the most common ways are to use a:
Using the ratings of each risk, develop a prioritised list of workplace risks requiring action.
You should involve workers in this assessment.
Don’t forget:
- young workers, trainees, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding who may be at heightened risk
- cleaners, visitors, contractors, maintenance workers, contractors who may not be familiar with your workplace risks
- members of the public or people with whom you share your workplace who could be hurt by your workplace activities
For more information on how to do a risk assessment refer to Supplement 2 of the Risk Management Code of Practice 2007.
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