Assessing critical risks in workplaces

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Assessing critical risks in workplaces

Assessing critical risks in workplaces

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Jun 19,24

A critical risks safety audit identifies and evaluates situations posing significant risks of injury or harm to individuals and assets.

Continuous review and enhancement of safety and health management systems are imperative for improving safety performance across all departments, says Suresh Tanwar, Head of Audit and Consultancy - India, British Safety Council

According to a recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) study, nearly three million workers worldwide lose their lives annually due to work-related accidents and illnesses, marking an alarming increase of over 5% since 2015. In India, a 2021 Labour Ministry report to Parliament noted that over the past five years, at least 6,500 employees lost their lives in factories, ports, mines, and construction sites. These statistics underscore the ongoing challenge of ensuring employee health and safety, particularly in high-risk industries like construction, metals, chemicals, power, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and automotive.

Critical safety risks, defined as events that pose significant threats to business operations and can result in worker fatalities or permanent disabilities, are common in these sectors. These risks often arise from process oversights, leading to incidents such as fires, falls from heights, and other accidents. Typically, companies react to such incidents by allocating funds for investigations and corrective measures. However, many of these industrial accidents and fatalities can be prevented through proactive measures, which are more beneficial for both human lives and business profitability.

Importance of regular assessments

Regular assessments of critical risks are vital for preventing workplace accidents. A critical risks safety audit identifies and evaluates situations posing significant risks of injury or harm to individuals and assets. The audit examines high-risk tasks, including working at heights, confined space entry, lifting operations, electrical and fire safety, ground excavation, contractor safety, and specific activities like handling molten metal. It also assesses the organisation's leadership commitment, accountability, risk management, and permit-to-work procedures. This process involves engaging all employees, conducting on-site inspections, and thoroughly reviewing documentation.

Critical risks safety audit

A critical risks safety audit involves a detailed examination of all safety controls related to hazardous activities. It assesses the effectiveness of existing safety measures to prevent severe injuries, using a tailored approach to evaluate an organisation’s safety performance in high-risk activities and benchmarking it against global best practices. The audit findings are compiled into a customised report addressing the organisation’s specific needs, providing insights into its current standing regarding high-risk activities, and identifying areas for improvement. Subsequent consultancy services offer recommendations, knowledge sharing, and training to enhance safety measures.

The process

The audit process requires active engagement from every employee within the organisation and involves four phases:

Leadership commitment and careful planning lay the groundwork for the audit. This phase involves top management clearly defining safety objectives, allocating resources, and establishing a safety culture that prioritises risk management.

In this phase, the planned safety measures are put into action. This includes training employees, implementing safety procedures, and ensuring that all necessary equipment and resources are in place. Regular communication and involvement of all staff members are crucial to ensure adherence to safety protocols.

The organisation’s safety performance is monitored and measured to gauge the effectiveness of implemented measures. This phase involves regular inspections, incident reporting, and data collection to identify trends and areas needing improvement. Metrics such as incident rates, near misses, and compliance with safety standards are analysed to assess performance.

Continuous improvement initiatives ensure the organisation evolves and enhances its safety protocols. This phase involves reviewing audit findings, soliciting feedback from employees, and updating safety procedures based on lessons learned. The goal is to create a dynamic safety management system that adapts to changing risks and continuously seeks to improve.

Throughout these phases, collective participation and commitment from all levels of the organisation are essential for the audit’s success. By involving employees in the audit process, organisations can foster a sense of ownership and accountability for workplace safety.

Benefits

Adhering to occupational safety regulations is crucial for organisations engaged in high-risk activities. Noncompliance jeopardises individual safety and exposes businesses to potential injuries, risks, and legal liabilities.

The benefits of a critical risks safety audit include:

- Hands-on learning and training during the audit process help employees develop practical skills for identifying and mitigating hazards.

- The audit provides a structured approach to identifying safety hazards, analysing root causes, and implementing corrective actions.

- Regular audits and training sessions increase awareness and foster a culture of safety among employees.

- By adhering to safety performance benchmarks, organisations can reduce costs related to injuries and improve overall safety records.

- A systematic approach to safety audits can lead to a reduction in accidents, injuries, near misses, and physical hazards.

- Audits facilitate a comprehensive analysis of incidents, allowing organisations to implement corrective measures to eliminate hazards.

- Safety audits offer opportunities for team leaders and shop-floor employees to receive practical training in hazard identification and mitigation.

- Regular audits and training sessions help raise awareness about potential hazards and promote a proactive approach to safety.

- Involving employees in the audit process helps establish dedicated safety audit teams within each department.

creating detailed checklists ensures that all potential hazards are identified and addressed according to industry best practices.

- Pre-audit meetings help review checklists, address queries, and plan audit routes under management guidance.

- Comprehensive documentation of hazards and corrective actions ensures that safety issues are systematically addressed.

- Post-audit discussions review hazard findings and corrective measures, ensuring that all issues are adequately addressed.

- Regular follow-up meetings track progress on corrective actions, address inquiries, and maintain a focus on safety improvements.

Key takeaways

High-risk and hazardous industrial operations necessitate prioritising critical risk safety audits. Continuous review and enhancement of safety and health management systems are imperative for improving safety performance across all departments. Commitment to constant improvement involves thoroughly evolving policies, systems, and risk control techniques. The audit process also allows management to gain insights into high-risk areas and potential hazards, prioritising these areas for a focused approach to safety management. Ultimately, critical risk safety audits for high-risk operations help create a positive, confident, and secure work environment for all stakeholders.

Choosing the right partner

Selecting the appropriate partner organisation to conduct a comprehensive and meticulous critical risks safety audit is essential. The right partner will have experienced auditors trained in internal quality assurance and meet professional body standards. Their audit reports should undergo technical verification and quality endorsement before being issued to clients. Partnering with globally recognised audit and consultancy services firms ensures robust organisational health and safety systems.

In summary, assessing critical risks in workplaces is not an option but a necessity. Regular safety audits, proactive measures, and a commitment to continuous improvement can significantly reduce workplace accidents and enhance overall safety, ensuring a secure environment for all employees. Investing in safety audits and preventive measures not only protects employees but also enhances business profitability and sustainability by mitigating risks and avoiding costly incidents.

About the Author

Suresh Tanwar, Head of Audit and Consultancy - India, British Safety Council

Suresh Tanwar is the Head of Audit & Consultancy- India for the British Safety Council.

Prior to joining the BSC, he was Chief - Group Safety & Health with Tata Group. He has received ASSP (American Society of Safety Professionals) President’s Award in the year

2016 in Atlanta, USA for recognition of his efforts in enhancing Safety in Indian corporates.