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Health and Safety Risk Assessment Hazards Health and safety risk assessments involve a systematic method of evaluating work activities, identifying hazards, considering what may go wrong, and deciding on appropriate control measures. These measures are designed to eliminate, reduce, or minimise the risk of losses, damages, and/or injuries in the workplace.

Health and Safety Risk Assessment Definition What is a Risk Assessment? The simplest definition of a health and safety risk assessment[i] is that it is a process, the start of a health and safety management approach that allows the employer and organisations put a proactive policy in place to manage workplace risks.

Why is a Health and Safety Risk Assessment Important? Overview The purpose of a risk assessment is that it serves as management tool which helps employers ensure that they provide a healthy and safe environment in which employees work, which is a legal obligation that employers have as according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993. Hazards and Risks There is a distinct difference between a hazard and a risk, and it is imperative that the two are not confused. A hazard can be described as something which has the potential to cause harm to the health, safety, or wellbeing of an employee, visitor to the site, or anyone else who may be affected by operations. A risk is the likelihood that an incident, injury, or an accident will occur as result of exposure to a hazard, or a combination of hazards.  Risks are categorised according to the potential harm or the adverse health effect that a hazard may have along with the number of times that employees may be exposed and the number of employees who are exposed.

A health and safety risk assessment can simply be defined as a process which involves the identification of hazards and risks, the analysing and evaluation thereof, and determining the best way to control or eliminate the risk. A health and safety risk assessment is a crucial part of any effective occupational health and safety management plan. When an effective health and safety risk assessment is conducted, hazards and risks can be uncovered and the people who are most likely to be at risk can be identified and safeguarded.

What is a Risk Assessment? A health and safety risk assessment is a term which is used to describe an overall process involving: The identification of hazards as well as risk factors which have the potential to cause harm. The analysing and evaluation of the risk associated with that hazard. Determining the appropriate way to control the risk if the hazard cannot be eliminated. A health and safety risk assessment is a crucial part of any effective occupational health and safety management plan

Health and Safety Risk Assessment – Legal Requirements Is a Risk Assessment a legal requirement? Whether an employer runs a large, medium, or small organisation, or whether they are a sole trader, they must ensure that they are consistently compliant with the relevant laws that dictate their industry and trade. The necessary health and safety protocols must be followed and often there may be questions asked regarding risk assessments. Is a risk assessment a legal requirement? The short answer is yes. It is a legal requirement; however, it does not have to be a tedious, time-consuming exercise.

There are some employers who make use of contractors and is it important to identify the Health and Safety risks and obtain contractor compliance

Health and Safety Practices for a Contractor or Supplier Overview The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 places responsibility on the employer to ensure that a safe and healthy work environment is provided and maintained, without risk to the health of workers. Health and safety, however, is the responsibility of all employees, not only the employer or the employee alone. There are, however, health and safety practices for a contractor and/or supplier, which demands compliance. Contractors and suppliers must comply with the following: