Risk assessment in the workplace
Take five - for your safety and others
Before starting any work, it is advisable to perform your own personal risk assessment. This is especially important in workplaces where conditions change day by day or in tasks that are rarely performed.
Take your time and ‘take five’ for your safety and that of others.
The steps are:
Pause and think about the upcoming task. Do you have a good plan in mind for how you will carry out the task?
Look around and assess potential risks associated with the task. Ask yourself ‘what if’ questions, such as: What happens if the ladder slips? What happens if there is no guard on the machine and something gets caught?
Evaluate the risks: Who is at risk? What is the worst that could happen? What are you already doing to reduce the risk? What more can you do to minimize the risk?
Control the risks: Can you remove the risk entirely? If not, can you reduce it by rethinking the task, using different tools, using less hazardous materials, or adding personal protective equipment?
Start working and continue to monitor potential risks in the work environment.
What are the benefits of taking five steps for safety?
The likelihood of accidents and incidents will be reduced.
The safety culture in the workplace will improve with more active employee participation.
The task will go more smoothly when it has been assessed beforehand in relation to risks.
Service provider
Administration of Occupational Safety and Health