Risk Assessments

Risk assessments need to be suitable and sufficient, considering both the nature of the work and specific hazards that may be involved. We will ensure that all hazardous tasks are thoroughly risk assessed by a competent person, including consideration of all applicable legislation, guidance and best practice.

We aim for legal compliance and continuous improvement in risk management, prioritising the hierarchy of control measures recognised in relevant law and guidance summarised below:

• Elimination: removing hazards entirely through process redesign, if necessary
• Substitution: replacing equipment or hazardous substances with articles that reduce risk
• Engineering controls: designing physical changes to minimise or isolate hazards
• Administrative controls: implementing policies, procedures, and training programs to change work practices
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): providing necessary protective equipment as a last resort.

Communication and consultation

Communication and consultation are an important part of our strategy and help make sure stakeholders are actively involved in the risk assessment process. Regular reviews and updates of our policy and risk assessments reflect our commitment to staying up to date with current legislative requirements, best practices and ensuring all our risk assessments are suitable and sufficient.

Risk assessment process

Our risk assessment process includes:

• Identifying hazards
• Determining people at risk
• Evaluating risks
• Reviewing existing controls
• Involving the persons at risk in the assessment process
• Identifying additional controls
• Documenting findings
• Communicating significant findings to all affected parties
• Providing training and awareness programs
• Monitoring control effectiveness
• Reviewing assessments at regular intervals, after incidents and updating them, where necessary.