Health protection and risk prevention plan

Scheduled prevention plan

Once the risk assessment is complete, a scheduled plan for preventive measures and actions based on the risk assessment must be developed.

The plan should include a description of how the risk will be addressed, for example, by:

When clear expectations are set for what is required of employees and what is expected of their work, employees are more likely to feel well and secure in their roles. Clear job descriptions, along with well-defined workflows, help reduce the risk of communication difficulties in the workplace.Furthermore, it can be effective to organize work in such a way that employees are only exposed to challenging conditions—such as repetitive strain or extreme cold—for a limited time.
In addition, the purpose and goals of the job should be clearly defined, as this gives employees greater autonomy and a sense of responsibility, both of which contribute to improved well-being at work.

It is essential to ensure that employees have received all the necessary information and appropriate training to perform their work. This is particularly important when new employees join the organization, but it also applies when there are changes in the workplace—such as changes in structure, procedures, or the introduction of new technologies.
It must be ensured that employees are familiar with their job descriptions, and it is helpful to review these regularly during performance reviews or staff meetings.
Regular training on work-related topics is important for employees—for example, training on communication, ergonomics to minimize musculoskeletal issues, safety procedures, and technological developments.
When employees receive training, it is important that the instruction is clear, purposeful, and repeated as necessary. It should be defined how often training should take place—for example, when new employees are hired, procedures change, or the work environment is modified. Special attention should be given to training if an accident or incident occurs in the workplace.

It is important to carefully consider the design of the workplace in a way that promotes safety. The most effective approach is always to design hazards out from the very beginning.
Good design and layout can make a significant difference to the safety and well-being of employees—for example, by ensuring that equipment is positioned at the correct height and eliminating fall risks by making sure that floor surfaces are suitable for the type of work being carried out.

Employers are responsible for ensuring that machinery and equipment are suitable for the tasks being performed and that they are designed with safe usage in mind. Equipment and tools must be equipped with the necessary protective features to safeguard employees from injury and health hazards.
As a general rule, machinery and equipment should be CE marked. It is essential to carefully assess what tools and equipment are available on the market and review their features with employee safety as a priority. Additionally, employers should keep in mind that technological advancements can happen rapidly, and regular reviews should be conducted to determine whether improvements have been made in terms of safety.
It is also vital that employees receive proper training and information about the equipment and tools they use in their work. Active monitoring and maintenance of equipment can significantly reduce risk.

Employees working with substances must have information about the chemicals they handle. All hazardous chemicals and mixtures must be accompanied by Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which provide essential details about the hazards of the substance and necessary measures to protect against those hazards.
Employees need to review all instructions before using the chemicals and regularly assess whether safer alternatives can be used for the task. If safer substances are available, they should always be chosen. Proper ventilation must be ensured when handling, storing, and disposing of chemicals and mixtures.
Employers are responsible for providing their staff with the necessary equipment and protective gear required for the safe use of chemicals.

Safety and protective equipment must fit the employees and the tasks they perform. Examples include safety shoes, where there are different types suitable for various conditions, such as grip, chemical resistance, and spark protection. Likewise, work gloves vary in thickness, cut resistance, and chemical resistance.
Safety and protective equipment has different lifespans and can also be subject to damage. Therefore, regular checks should be conducted to ensure that the equipment is in good condition. Any items that have exceeded their usage time or have been damaged should be disposed of properly.

The above only provides a few examples of workplace prevention measures, but the measures implemented must reduce the risks identified in the workplace risk assessment. Furthermore, an overview of the actions already taken should also be included.

Prioritization of actions based on severity

Severity is assessed based on the likelihood of an event occurring and the potential damage if it does. Immediate action must be taken for risks that could have serious consequences for employees and are highly likely to occur.
Risks related to tasks that are performed frequently and on a regular basis, such as daily or weekly, should also be reviewed.
Special attention must be given to tasks that are performed infrequently or at long intervals, such as annual maintenance of machinery or equipment.
It may be possible to allow more time for prevention measures that address less severe risks.

Three levels of prevention

1st Level Prevention: Remove or eliminate the risk
This refers to removing the risk from the workplace before it causes symptoms, accidents, or illnesses. For example, by reviewing work processes with the goal of discontinuing the use of hazardous chemicals, heavy materials, or dangerous tools, if possible. If the work is particularly hazardous, it's worth first asking if the task is absolutely necessary under the given circumstances.

2nd Level Prevention: Implement general preventive measures to protect workers
If the risk cannot be eliminated, general safety measures should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of employees. These are often technical in nature but can also involve organizing work processes and providing employee training, such as regular rest breaks, job rotation, and clear procedures and job descriptions. For example, this could include installing guards or light barriers around hazardous machine parts, using local ventilation to remove fumes or dust, and updating procedures. This also includes technical measures that limit or prevent employees from changing or manipulating the hazard.

3rd Level Prevention: Specific safety measures
If it is neither possible to eliminate the risk nor take general preventative measures that ensure the safety and well-being of employees, specific safety measures should be implemented for each individual employee. This could include providing light equipment, personal protective gear, or other safety equipment. Examples include fall arrest belts, respirators, or anti-static chairs.

The effectiveness of preventive measures decreases as the level of prevention increases. It is always most effective to remove the hazard if possible.

More about personal protective equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is gear used to minimize the effects of hazards in the workplace. Examples of PPE include gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, and respirators.

PPE must be risk-assessed based on their use and potential for damage. Training in the use of PPE is essential, along with regular inspections of their condition. For instance, filters in respirators need to be replaced regularly, and the usage and shelf life recommended by the manufacturer should be considered. Another example is helmets, which have a limited lifespan. Before each use, possible damage should be checked, and proper storage should be ensured when they are not in use.

PPE should not be relied on exclusively and should always be considered a last resort if hazards cannot be eliminated by 1st or 2nd level prevention measures.

PPE can be effective if used correctly. While PPE may seem like a cheap and simple solution to protect workers, it can be a more expensive option in the long run due to the need for regular replacements.

Measures against bullying, harassment, and violence in the workplace

Measures to address bullying, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, and violence in the workplace must be part of a health and prevention plan.

Workplaces need to set clear messages that such behavior will not be tolerated and have a plan for what actions should be taken to prevent bullying, harassment, or violence in the workplace. There should also be a plan in place for actions to take if such incidents occur in the workplace.

See more under psychosocial work environment.

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Administration of Occupational Safety and Health