Safety & Risk perspectives

When systems involve people, providing a safe environment to work or operate in is of utmost importance. A systematic approach to risk management should minimise the risk to an acceptable level, whilst still allowing for the activity to proceed.

Example applications

The most common place you will encounter this perspective is in the workplace health and safety regulations that a workplaces must comply with by law.

Steps

1. 1.Identification of a hazard

2. 2.Identification of the associated risk

3. 3.Assessment of the risk - which includes: understanding the likelihood using a risk matrix, understanding the consequences of a risk, and assigning a priority for rectification

4. 4.Control of the risk - using a hierarchy of control measures consisting of (in order of preference):

5. 1. A.Elimination - remove the risk altogether 2. B.Substitution - achieve the same ends using different means 3. C.Isolation - limit access to those who can operate the equipment or manage the risk 4. D.Engineering Controls - put in place controls that improve the safety, such as sensors, guards or cut-off switches 5. E.Administrative Controls - improve the procedures, training, or other planning around the risk 6. F.Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - wear personal safety gear, such as gloves or glasses

6. 5.Documentation of the process

7. 6.Monitoring and Review of the process.

Key concepts

• an explanation of what risk is, and how to interpret a risk matrix
• an example that walks through an application of the hierarchy of controls
• advice to the student engineer on how to improve the safety of a project or system

Core resources

• Worksafe ACT have an overview of how to conduct a risk assessment on their webpage:\ http://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/page/view/1039

Further reading

• Bohm, J., and Harris, D., Risk Perception and Risk-Taking Behavior of Construction Site Dumper Drivers

Similar tools…

Other factors of concern to workplace health and safety include:

• Richman, Requirements for lighting levels in workplaces from IESNA 9th Edition Handbook.

• Queensland Government, 2012, Office accommodation workplace fitout standards (see space allocation and lighting requirements){: .link-ext target=”_blank” }

• Worksafe Victoria, 2006, Officewise - a guide to health & safety in the office (see lighting, noise and thermal comfort, but lots of other great ideas too){: .link-ext target=”_blank” }