Session 4 - Controlling Hazards

Hazards and Risks

A hazard is anything in the workplace that has the potential to harm people.

Hazards can include objects in the workplace, such as machinery or dangerous chemicals.

Other hazards relate to the way work is done. For instance, hazards on a production line could include manual handling, excessive noise and fatigue caused by the pace of work.

A risk arises when it's possible that a hazard will actually cause harm. The level of risk will depend on factors such as how often the job is done, the number of workers involved and how serious any injuries that result could be.

Above information from:
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/health-and-safety-topics/controlling-ohs-hazards-and-risks/about-hazards-and-risks/what-are-hazards-and-risks

Information regarding Hazards and Risks and Controlling them:
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/health-and-safety-topics/controlling-ohs-hazards-and-risks


A safe workplace doesn't happen by chance or guesswork. It requires a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards and risks.

This approach ensures the highest level of protection is in place for people at work. It begins with consulting staff on any potential health and safety issues and typically follows four steps:

1.        Finding hazards in the workplace that could hurt people

2.        Figuring out (assessing) how people can be hurt and the likelihood of the hazards hurting people (the level of risk)

3.        Fixing the problems by deciding on the most effective risk controls that are reasonably practicable under the circumstances

4.        Reviewing your risk controls and checking that they work


https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/health-and-safety-topics/controlling-ohs-hazards-and-risks/about-hazards-and-risks/a-systematic-approach

How To Comply Handbook

https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/131796/Controlling-OHS-hazards-and-risks.pdf

Assessment Task

In small groups (max 4), you are to choose a location on your campus and do an OHS Hazard Assessment.
Use the form from the workcover How to Comply Handbook - You must find 10 hazards/potential hazards and complete the form.

This is worth 20% of your marks for this unit.