Identifying Inadequacies
Workcover states:
"A person conducting a business or undertaking has a duty to manage risks to health and safety"
Assess the Risk
Once the hazard has been identified, it is the role of the OHS representative to assess the risks associated with a hazard. The risk determines the urgency that the hazard is dealt with. For example a small tear in the carpet in the corner of the boardroom is less urgent than a loose electrical socket. In this instance an electrician would be called immediately for the loose electrical socket, while the carpet could be repaired by a staff member or be delayed until there is more work for the carpet layer to do.
Consult & Involve Other Personnel
"The WHS Act requires that the employer must consult their employees when risks to their health and safety arising from work are assessed or when the assessment of those risks is reviewed [Act: 15 !al" [Workcover NSW, 201 OJ
The decision as to how serious a risk a hazard poses does not necessarily have to be determined by one individual. Opinions from other employees and professionals can be used to determine the seriousness of a risk. By law the employer has to consult with employees in regards to WHS issues, and this would also be the case with assessing the risk that a hazard poses. All information about potential risks must be shared with employees. Therefore a case might arise where management and employees disagree about the risk involved with a hazard. In such a case other people including professionals or staff from Workcover may be consulted as to their opinion.
Document & Keep Records
There is a saying when it comes to workplace issues - "if it isn't in writing, it didn't happen". This very much applies to risk assessments of hazards. It is essential that all details are recorded and documented when it comes to risk assessments. If a hazard was reported, action taken, but not documented, there is every chance that if that hazard re-appears and someone is injured you could be facing a serious court judgement on your failure to act on the hazard.
WORKBOOK I© 2016 YOUNG RABBIT PlY LTD, AUSTRALIAN PACIFIC COLLEGE 85852415 DIPLOMA OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION and BSB51115 DIPLOMA OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT ADVANCED MANAGEMENT OF WHS_V6.3
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Eliminate or Control the Risk
Like a disease prevention is better than a cure. In the case of a workplace hazard ideally you should attempt to eliminate the hazard, rather than trying to minimise the risk. Unfortunately this can't always be done. It is impossible to eliminate the chances of someone suffering physical pain if they refuse to sit in the correct position at their desk. You can minimise the risk through education and guidance, but you can't eliminate it.
Consultation
Like hazard risk identification, as an employer you must consult all workers in relation to eliminating or controlling the risk. Where an employer might just wish to control the risk, workers might be in favour of eliminating the risk. Through consultation a solution might be reached where both parties are happy with the decision. Expert, outside help may be required to come up with such a solution.
Individuals may be given responsibility to control the risk associated with the hazard. For example it might be someone's responsibility to check electrical cables on a daily basis to ensure that the risk of an electrical accident, or someone tripping over the cables is minimised.