What Is Risk Assessment?
Risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating hazards to the health and safety of workers. It is mandatory for every employer under Article 14 of the OHSA and is carried out in accordance with Ordinance No. 5 of 11.05.1999 on the procedure, method, and frequency of risk assessment.
The goal is to determine the level of each identified risk and take appropriate measures to prevent or minimize it. Without an up-to-date risk assessment, the employer cannot ensure adequate protection for their employees.
Risk assessment is the foundation of the entire safety system in your company. All other measures — from medical examinations to training and personal protective equipment — are based on its results. Without a quality risk assessment, OHS investments are essentially arbitrary.
The Risk Assessment Process: Step by Step
The risk assessment process goes through seven sequential stages, each of which is critically important for the final result:
Classification of Work Activities
Systematization of all work activities and workplaces. For each workplace, the nature of the work performed, duration, machines and materials used, worker qualifications, and other factors are determined.
Hazard Identification
A thorough inspection of each workplace to identify physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards. Checklists, observation, and worker interviews are used.
Identification of Exposed Persons
For each identified hazard, the workers and employees who are exposed are determined, including visitors, subcontractors, and other persons.
Risk Level Assessment
The risk is assessed on a scale, taking into account the probability of the harmful effect occurring and the severity of the consequences. Established methodologies are used.
Risk Acceptability Decision
Based on the assessment, a decision is made whether the identified risk is acceptable or requires additional reduction measures. Risks are prioritized by severity level.
Documenting the Results
The entire assessment is documented in detail — risk assessment cards for each workplace, a summary assessment for the enterprise, and a program with measures.
Risk Minimization Program
A specific program with measures, deadlines, and responsible persons is developed. This program is a "living document" that is updated with every change in working conditions.
Workplace Risk Categories
Workplace hazards are classified into several main categories. Here is a detailed table of risk types and their characteristics:
| Risk Category | Examples | Typical Workplaces | Protective Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical | Noise, vibrations, lighting, microclimate, electromagnetic fields | Manufacturing, construction, transport | PPE, sound insulation, staff rotation |
| Chemical | Dust, toxic substances, allergens, carcinogens | Chemical industry, laboratories, cleaning | Ventilation, PPE, hazardous substance training |
| Biological | Viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi | Healthcare, food industry, agriculture | Hygiene measures, vaccinations, PPE |
| Ergonomic | Awkward working posture, heavy physical labor, monotony | Offices (VDU work), warehouses, production lines | Ergonomic furniture, breaks, rotation |
| Psychosocial | Stress, workload, conflicts, night work, harassment | All sectors, especially services and healthcare | Work time organization, anti-harassment policies |
| Mechanical | Moving parts, falling objects, sharp edges | Manufacturing, construction, mechanical engineering | Guards, safety devices, signage |
Documents Prepared During Risk Assessment
A professional risk assessment generates the following set of documents, which must be available during inspection by regulatory authorities:
- Risk Assessment Cards — a separate card for each workplace or group of similar workplaces
- Summary Risk Assessment — a comprehensive document for the enterprise with risk classification
- Risk Minimization Program — specific measures, deadlines, responsible persons, and required resources
- List of Identified Hazards — a detailed register of all identified risk factors
- Measurement Protocols — results from workplace environment measurements (noise, lighting, microclimate, etc.)
- Conclusions and Recommendations — expert OHS opinion on priority actions
- Declaration under Art. 15 of OHSA — annual declaration submitted to the Labour Inspectorate
During a Labour Inspectorate inspection, an outdated or non-updated risk assessment is treated the same as a missing one. If there are changes in working conditions and the assessment has not been updated, the employer is subject to sanctions even if they formally possess a document.
Before and After the Risk Assessment
Here is what a typical company looks like before and after a professional risk assessment:
Before the Assessment
- Hazards are not identified
- No specific safety measures
- Employees are unaware of the risks
- OHS documentation is missing
- High risk of fines during inspection
- Unpredictable costs in case of accident
After the Assessment
- All risks are mapped
- Specific program with measures and deadlines
- Employees are informed and trained
- Complete documentation ready for inspection
- Peace of mind during inspections
- Planned and controlled OHS costs
When Is the Risk Assessment Updated?
Risk assessment is not a one-time activity. It must be reviewed and updated under specific circumstances. Here is a detailed chronological reference:
| Situation | Update Deadline | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction of new equipment or technology | Before commissioning | Employer + OHS |
| Change in work organization | Within 1 month | Employer + OHS |
| Workplace accident or occupational disease | Immediately after investigation | OHS + Safety Officer |
| Prescriptions from regulatory authorities | Within the deadline set by the authority | Employer |
| Changes in legislation | Upon entry into force of the new regulation | OHS |
| Periodic review (no changes) | Every 3-5 years | OHS + Employer |
| Change of workplace premises or office | Before relocating employees | Employer + OHS |
The Role of OHS in Risk Assessment
The occupational health service plays a central role in the entire process. It:
- Performs or assists in performing the risk assessment
- Proposes measures to eliminate or minimize risks
- Advises the employer on choosing personal protective equipment
- Determines the necessary medical examinations based on the identified risks
- Assists in conducting workplace environment measurements
- Trains safety committee members on their participation in the assessment process
- Prepares an annual analysis of worker health status
A quality risk assessment is the foundation of the entire occupational health and safety system. Without it, all other measures are essentially arbitrary.
Key Takeaways
- Risk assessment is mandatory under the OHSA for every employer
- The process includes 7 sequential steps — from classification to a minimization program
- 6 categories of risk factors are analyzed: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial, and mechanical
- At least 7 types of documents are prepared, including risk cards and a program with measures
- The assessment must be updated with every change in working conditions
- An outdated assessment is treated as a missing one during regulatory inspections
- The OHS is the leading expert in the entire risk assessment and management process
Need a professional risk assessment? Contact Avalon OHS for a consultation and quote.
