What is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic process performed by a competent person which involves identifying, analyzing, and controlling hazards and risks present in a situation or a place. This decision-making tool aims to determine which measures should be put in place in order to eliminate or control those risks, as well as specify which of them should be prioritized according to the level of likeliness and impact they have on the business.

Risk assessment is one of the major components of a risk analysis. Risk analysis is a process with multiple steps that intends to identify and analyze all of the potential risks and issues that are detrimental to the business or an enterprise. This is an ongoing process that gets updated when necessary. These concepts are interconnected and can be used individually.

Risk communication is the process of exchanging information and opinion on risk with concerned parties. Risk management is the proactive control and evaluation of threats and risks to prevent accidents, uncertainties, and errors. Together with risk assessment, these are all vital elements that help make informed decisions such as mitigating risks.

Why is it Important?

Identifying hazards by using the risk assessment process is a key element when ensuring the health and safety of your employees and customers. OSHA requires businesses to conduct risk assessments. According to regulations set by OSHA, assessing hazards or potential risks will determine the personal protective gears and equipment a worker may need for their job. 

There are guidelines available for different industries since present types of possible risks may vary, an example of this is agribusinesses. Unique risks for this industry include manure storage, tractor operation, animal handling, behavior, and health.

Audits and Consulting

Auditing is defined as the on-site verification activity, such as inspection or examination, of a process or quality system, to ensure compliance to requirements. An audit can apply to an entire organization or might be specific to a function, process, or production step. Some audits have special administrative purposes, such as auditing documents, risk, or performance, or following up on completed corrective actions.

OHS Compliance and Certification

Health and Safety compliance audits are the eyes and ears of the organization as to whether the safety program is operating effectively and meeting the planned objectives. The OHS Audits review every aspect of the company’s operational aspects and the practices within them, including that of suppliers and contractors. They then provide feedback to management on whether these aspects and its responsible people are working in a safe manner, contributing to the company’s turnover, and ultimately, its profitability.

HSEC/Safety File Compiling

A Safety File could be your worst enemy as most people would have you believe, however it’s actually your best friend in the worst situations. Proof of evidence is a very important part of any business’s Occupational Health and Safety Management System and is the best defense regarding liability and vicarious liability.

As per the Occupational Health and Safety Act a book, record or other documents needs to be kept. This can be done by paper records (Health and Safety File) or even an OHS Management software .

A Safety File, otherwise known as a ‘Contractor Health and Safety File’ is a record of information focusing on the management of health and safety on construction sites for contractors and sub-contractors. It protects the employer from criminal liability and proves compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

What does the South African LAW say about a Health and Safety File?

Every contractor and sub-contractor is required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and the Construction Regulations 2014, to have a  Safety File that must be available at all times. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and Construction Regulations 2014 state the following: Construction Regulation 3(6)– A client must ensure that the principle contractor keeps a copy of the construction work permit contemplated in sub-regulation (1) in the occupational health and safety file for inspection by an inspector, the client, the client’s authorized agent, or an employee; Construction Regulation 5(1)(s) – The client must ensure that health and safety file contemplated in regulation 7(1)(b) is kept and maintained by the principal contractor; Construction Regulation 7(1)(b) –A principal contractor must open and keep on-site a health and safety file which must include all documentation required in terms of the Act and these Regulations, which must be made available on request to an inspector, the client, the client’s agent or a contractor. The Health and Safety File must be maintained by the site safety personnel and audited by a competent person.