Last Updated on January 3, 2025 by James R. Cole
An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) course online is designed for both safety and security officers. It provides the basic techniques required for workplace safety.
Although ohs training is primarily designed for safety officers, security guards can also benefit from understanding the risk assessment process, as it enables them to assist in maintaining a safer work environment.
In many organizations, authorized health and safety officers conduct risk assessments. However, as a security guard, your close involvement in workplace safety allows you to contribute significantly by identifying hazards and assessing risks on-site.
Lessons OHS Training
- Identifying Hazards in the Workplace
Learn how to spot potential dangers in various work environments. - Assessing Risks of Workplace Hazards
Understand how to evaluate the severity and likelihood of risks associated with identified hazards. - Workplace Safety and Emergency Signs
Gain familiarity with safety and emergency signage to enhance preparedness. - Recommending Control Measures to Minimize Risks
Develop strategies and recommendations to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards.
Types of Risk Assessment:
There are 2 primary methods of risk assessment, and the description of each refers to the method of evaluating the risk.
Quantitative:
- Evaluates risks using statistical data and historical records.
- Numerical data is used to calculate the likelihood and impact of risks.
Qualitative:
- Uses a defined scale (e.g., “very low” to “high”) to describe the likelihood and impact of risks.
- Useful when numerical data is insufficient.
The 5 steps of a risk assessment:
There are 5 steps of risk assessment methods that you should complete in chronological order
1. Identify Hazards
- List potential hazards through workplace inspections.
- Use a standard template to document details (e.g., location, type of hazard).
Example:
| Location | Category | Hazard |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Slip and Trip | Wet surface, cables |
| Office | Collision with Objects | Low-hanging structures |
2. Who Could Be Harmed, and How?
- Determine who can affect (employees, visitors, contractors) and how.
Example:
| Hazard | Who Can Be Harmed | How |
|---|---|---|
| Old electric socket | Employees | Burns from overheating |
| Wet floors | Visitors | Slipping and falling |
3. Evaluate Risks and Control Measures
- Use the Risk Formula: Likelihood × Severity = Risk Score.
- Employ a Risk Matrix to assign scores and categorize risks as Very Low, Low, Moderate, High, or Very High.
Example Risk Matrix:
| Likelihood | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severity | |||||
| 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 5 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
Hierarchy of Controls:
- Eliminate the hazard.
- Substitute with a safer option.
- Isolate or guard the hazard.
- Administrate through policies or procedures.
- Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
4. Record and Apply Recommendations
- Record findings in a detailed risk assessment report.
- Implement recommendations and monitor residual risks.
Example Report Format:
5. Review and Update
A risk assessment should review the following things include;
- New laws are passed.
- New materials or equipment used on the site
- Workplace policies or personnel change.
OHS course online: Key Definitions
- Risk Matrix: A grid displaying risk scores based on likelihood and severity.
- Hierarchy of Controls: A framework for reducing hazards through elimination, substitution, isolation, administration, and PPE use.
- ALARP: Reducing risks to “As Low As Reasonably Practical,” considering time, money, and effort.
Risk Reporting Requirements
According to the OHS Systems Framework, risk assessment records must include:
- Methods and sources of information.
- Compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
- Opportunities to reuse information for future assessments.
Conclusion
In OHS training, the Risk Assessment topic is essential as it equips you with skills to calculate risks using established formulas, identify types of safety hazards, and evaluate their likelihood and severity to ensure a safer workplace.
Risk assessment is a continuous process and a vital component of workplace safety. By identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing control measures, security personnel and safety officers can protect lives and ensure a safe working environment. Regular reviews and adherence to best practices will further enhance workplace safety.
