How can you ensure QHSE Workplace Safety risk assessments are conducted regularly?

Personally I like to review risk assessments annually, with the exception of significant changes to the workplace environment, process, equipment or an accident. I use a simple table on an excel spreadsheet containing the risk assessment title, reference date completed and date signed off by all team members who are associated with the task.

🔄Implement integrated management systems that incorporate QHSE considerations into everyday operations. This ensures that safety is embedded in the organization's culture, making regular risk assessments a natural part of the workflow. Establish Clear Protocols: 📜 Develop clear and comprehensive protocols outlining when and how QHSE risk assessments should be conducted. Clearly communicate these protocols to all employees, emphasizing their role in the safety process. Scheduled Calendar Events: 🗓️ Incorporate QHSE risk assessments into the organization's annual calendar of events. Schedule specific times throughout the year dedicated to comprehensive safety evaluations, allowing for systematic planning and execution.

Planning ahead is a valuable skill that can help you achieve your goals and manage your time effectively. The specifics of your plan will depend on your personal or professional objectives, but here are some general steps you can consider: Set Clear Goals Prioritize Tasks Create a Schedule Break Down Tasks Time Management Set Deadlines Review and Adjust Stay Flexible Incorporate Breaks and Downtime Use Tools and Resources Reflect and Learn Seek Support I in particular use these planning methods for the question posed.

En el ámbito de la seguridad y salud en el trabajo, la evaluación de riesgos inicial debe llevarse a cabo antes al inicio de la actividad. Su revisión debe planificarse con la suficiente anticipación, a poder ser anualmente, aunque la periodicidad debe supeditarse a la peligrosidad de las actividades. Además de lo anterior, la evaluación debe realizarse con ocasión de la elección de nuevos equipos de trabajo o de nuevas sustancias o preparados químicos, del acondicionamiento de los lugares de trabajo, cuando se hayan producido daños para la salud de los trabajadores, y cuando se produzca la incorporación de un trabajador cuyas características personales o estado biológico conocido lo hagan especialmente sensible a las condiciones del puesto

Colleague consultation is a vital part of the risk assessment, it offers other perspectives and importantly the team members who have involvement with the tasks being assessed know the process better than the assessor. Risk assessments are worthless unless our team members are aware of the hazards and the control measure that are in place.

One tried and tested appropriate method to help collect data is digitally - it will give immediate visibility of compliance and safety performance. You are able to see where things are, if they are going great, are ignored or falsified. With digital tools, you can also plan and decide next steps quickly. Imagine having to review and analyse data collected via Word templates or stack of paper - simply difficult and impossible to have clear visibility of successes and issues. Digital takes these challenges away.

Enhance the communication of risk assessment outcomes through an interactive platform accessible to all stakeholders. Utilize multimedia presentations or interactive dashboards displaying risk status, control measures, and ongoing safety improvements. Encouraging engagement and comprehension, this approach fosters a collective understanding of safety concerns, enabling teams to actively contribute and suggest enhancements. Implementing a transparent reporting system establishes a culture of inclusivity and accountability, vital in empowering employees to actively participate in safety protocols and offer insights crucial for mitigating potential hazards.

One thing I’ve found helpful is to integrate QHSE Workplace Safety risk assessments into existing processes and workflows. By embedding risk assessments into routine activities such as project planning, equipment maintenance, or safety meetings, you can ensure that they are conducted regularly and consistently. This approach not only saves time and resources but also reinforces a culture of safety and risk awareness throughout the organization. Additionally, leveraging technology such as risk assessment software or mobile apps can streamline the process and facilitate data collection, analysis, and reporting, making it easier to conduct assessments regularly.

Just don't become too hung up about the process. Yes we need RAs from a work perspective, and they can help with claims defensibility. If you have a proactive and pragmatic approach managers and supervisors will use the RA process as a management tool to look at the task/work their colleagues are performing. However if the RA process is a massive paperwork exercise then it is easy to become a box ticking exercise that has zero value.