Section 4.1         Report identified hazards and inadequacies in risk controls

Identifying inadequacies in existing risk control measures

It should not be assumed that risk control measures will always be adequate to solve a problem. New or existing risk controls should always be checked in case they do not effectively protect health and safety. Newly implemented risk controls should be tested in some way before workers begin using the new system, if this is feasible. In the case of existing controls, changes in work practices may inadvertently introduce new risks or undermine the efficacy of existing risk controls. Checking the methods chosen to solve OHS problems is known as ‘monitoring and evaluation of risk controls’.

This can be done using the hazard identification procedures already covered—for example, by asking workers whether they are aware of on-going risks, making observations and taking relevant measurements.

If deficiencies are found in risk controls, or better ways are found to fix a problem (‘better’ in this sense means using strategies from further up the hierarchy of risk control), management should promptly provide sufficient resources to enable the risk to be properly controlled. Risk management is not an optional process to be carried out when the employer has time—it should be built into routine procedures such as purchasing and induction.

Procedures to identify, assess and control risks should be implemented, in consultation with employees:

• when preparing to use new premises for a work activity
• when planning work processes
• before installing, commissioning or erecting equipment or machinery
• whenever changes are made to:
• the workplace
• the system or method of work
• the equipment or machinery used
• the chemicals used
• whenever new information regarding work processes becomes available
• when new legislation or standards are introduced.

Identifying inadequate resources

Part of identifying OHS risks and control measures is recognising whether your organisation is allocating enough resources to deal with those risks. If it is not, then the controls being implemented may only address part of the risk issue, or may fail to address the risk at all. Resources can include:

Staff training

• this is one of the most effective ways of controlling risks. By increasing staff knowledge and skills, they are more likely to be aware of the importance of risk identification and control and less likely to ignore risks in the workplace. Properly trained staff can also have OHS responsibilities included in their job descriptions, where appropriate.

Supervision

• adequate on-the-job supervision can help prevent risks occurring ‘on the spot’. Unskilled workers, or workers working in isolation, are at a higher risk of harm than those who are supervised and supported by their line managers. Professional supervision can also help with identifying unsafe work practices through conversation and reflection, and discussing options for addressing those practices.

Funds

• Adequate to purchase equipment, protective gear, signage, etc.

Time

• allocating time for training, supervision, and OHS inspections is important in all workplaces. There also needs to be adequate time for workers to complete their work tasks. Rushing through jobs can increase the risk of something going wrong, as workers may attempt short-cuts to meet strict time limits. Staff also need time to rest, so adherence to breaks and fair shift-work rosters are important factors in managing risk. There also needs to be time allocated for staff representatives to attend OHS meetings and carry out OHS duties.

Management

• supportive and informed management is essential to effectively identify and address OHS issues. This includes responding appropriately to staff issues and being aware of employers’ responsibilities.

Support

• other support for staff and organisations is sometimes necessary to identify and address risk. This support could include administrative support, backfilling of positions when staff are ill or at training, fair and reasonable distribution of tasks among all staff, and acknowledging the important work staff do.

If you notice a lack of any of these resources that impacts negatively on your organisation’s ability to adequately identify and address OHS risks, you should report this to the appropriate personnel.

These personnel could be:

• your direct supervisor
• management
• an OHS representative.

Adherence to work procedures

It is the responsibility of all staff to be aware of the safety of everyone around them. It is impossible for you to be aware of what everyone is doing all the time, but when you notice staff conducting their work in a manner that breaches the OHS requirements of your workplace, it is your responsibility to take action.

This action can include:

• stopping the worker and pointing out the risk in what they are doing
• alerting an OHS representative to the situation
• reporting the incident to your line manager
• completing an incident report form to keep track of potential risks and ‘near misses’.

Workers may be reluctant to ‘dob’ on a colleague, but these actions should not be considered ‘dobbing’. Without the reporting of the risk, the worker or someone else could be at continued risk of harm. If possible, report the risk with the worker involved so there is a feeling of control, ownership and empowerment among staff. This encourages supportive teamwork and professionalism. Keeping incidents of risky behaviour secret does not help anyone in the long run.