Hazard Identification and Risk Management

3.1 Fundamental Concepts

It is vital to distinguish between these two terms to perform accurate assessments:

• Hazard: An intrinsic property of something that has the potential to cause harm. The hazard is always present (e.g., electricity, a chemical substance, height).
• Risk: The measure of uncertainty — how likely it is that the hazard will cause harm and how severe the consequences would be.

The Risk Assessment Matrix

3.2 Operational Assessment Tools

A. TRA (Task Risk Analysis)

A formal, documented planning process for new, complex, or non-routine tasks. The task is broken down into logical steps, hazards are identified, and specific control measures are assigned. Result: a document that serves as a guide for the entire work team.

B. LMRA (Last Minute Risk Analysis)

The final safety barrier before an accident occurs — a mandatory mental “stop and check.”

• Hazards: Has anything changed in the environment since the task was planned?
• Resources: Do I have all tools in good condition and the necessary PPE?
• Action: Do I know what to do if something goes wrong?

Golden Rule: If you have a single doubt or a negative answer, stop the operation. Work does not start until the environment is safe.

3.3 The Hierarchy of Prevention

When a risk is unacceptable, control measures must be applied in this mandatory order:

• Elimination: Completely remove the hazard (e.g., use drones instead of working at height).
• Substitution: Replace the hazardous element with a less harmful one (e.g., water-based paint instead of chemical solvents).
• Engineering Controls: Technical solutions that isolate the hazard (e.g., machine guards, extraction ventilation).
• Organisational Measures: Managing time and signposting (e.g., rotating shifts to reduce noise exposure, Toolbox talks).
• PPE (Last Resort): Only protects the individual and does not remove the hazard from the environment.

3.4 Application of Control Measures