How Workplaces Actually Carry Out OSH-Related Risk Assessment and Management

Abstract

The practices of risk management (RM) process are generally considered foundational and are commonly used for occupational health and safety (OSH) management at workplaces. However, some estimates propose that recent efforts to improve OSH have not had the desired effects. Previous research has recognized problems in the OSH-related RM in the workplace. A better understanding of how workplaces realize OSH-related RM is needed. This study examines the implementation of OSH-related RM based on the case studies of four companies. Interviews (n = 46) with personnel involved in RM, document analyses related to RM, and observations of risk assessments were carried out. The results show that the RM guidelines are mainly strictly applied. Nevertheless, the practices are also tailored. The elements of risk assessment are emphasized. More importance should be given to the risk treatment, monitoring, and review elements of the RM process to understand whether the planned controls are effective and efficient.

Appendix: Comparison of the MSAH Workbook Guidelines with Companies’ RM Practices

Category	MSAH Workbook guidelines	Companies’ practices
		A*	B*	C*
Assessment group	Group work including different personnel groups (decision-makers, experts, employees) is recommended. Everyone does not have to participate in the whole assessment. A good group size is from 3 to 5 persons	+	+	–
	A leader should be selected for the assessment group	~	+	+
	Employee participation is important, particularly in hazards identification. At least one employee representative and several employees should be involved in the assessment. Surveys can be used	+	+	+
	Specialists should be consulted concerning risks requiring expertise (e.g., occupational healthcare) in assessment, e.g., psychosocial and chemical issues	+	+	–
	The leader of the group is responsible for gathering the assessment group, obtaining required methods and materials, defining training needs, and organizing training	+	+	–
	The group responsibilities include planning and organizing the assessment, agreeing on responsibilities, guiding and assisting personnel, and making conclusions on results	~	~	+
Training	Training is not required, but the assessment group should be familiar with the general principles of risk assessment and effects of hazards. Group exercises can be used in training	~	~	+
Initial data	The existing data can be used in the assessment, e.g. - survey of the workplace - industrial safety inspections - chemical registers and operational safety bulletins - occupational accident statistics - safety observations	+	~	–
Hazard identification	Should be executed by - using a checklist or different analysis methods - finding out relevant work assignments - going around the assessment target on-site - interviewing employees - observing work assignments - making notes	+	+	–
	Hazards, their causes, locations, conditions consequences, and workers exposed (also external) should be examined.	–	~	–
	Previously realized, possible hazards, stress factors, and employees’ personal abilities (e.g., disabled workers) should be considered (both in normal and exceptional situations)	–	~	–
Magnitude of risks	Magnitude should reflect the assessment situation and be as objective as possible, formed together with the assessment group, formed without under- or overestimation	–	+	+
	The magnitude of risk is analyzed by determining consequences and their probability	+	+	–
	Several factors affect the severity of consequences and their probability (e.g., the reversibility of consequences and the duration of the harmful event)	–	~	–
	Consequences are defined before the probability	~	~	–
	The consequences should be recorded	–	~	–
	If necessary, the magnitude of risk is defined separately for different consequences	–	–	–
	Several methods and ways can be used in analyzing risk. MSAH presents a matrix based on BS8800 as an example	+	+	–
Significance of risks	The objective is to eliminate or reduce all risks. However, risk criteria and boundaries should be considered to decide which risks need treatment and in which order. The MSAH Workbook lists examples of means that can be used in determining the significance, e.g., the magnitude of risk, narrative descriptions of the urgency of risk controls, risk profile compilations, interdependence of risks	~	~	–
Selection of risk controls	The following risk treatment options should be considered in selecting and implementing risk controls: avoiding the risk, removing the risk source, replacing the risk source with something less hazardous, implementing controls with a broad range of effect before those with a small range, using the latest technology and solutions available	–	~	–
	Alternative risk controls should be considered, e.g., according to the efficiency (e.g., compliance, cost-efficiency, impact on risk magnitude) and ease of implementation	–	~	–
Utilization of results	Feedback should be given to those involved in the assessment and whole personnel either on the level of workstation, department, or whole company	+	~	+
	Results can be utilized, e.g., in the work design and instructions, guidance, and orientation of employees, the planning of the activities of OSH and occupational healthcare, and further assessments or measurements	~	~	+
Updating risk assessment	Assessment should be maintained and updated regularly. Reassessments are needed when there are changes in the work or work environment (e.g., organization rearrangements, changes in the extent and nature of activities)	+	+	~
	Effectiveness and efficiency of planned risk controls should be followed	~	~	+
	A record of realized risk controls should be kept	+	~	+
	The magnitude of remaining risks should be assessed	+	~	+
	New risks due to effective risk controls should be identified and analyzed	–	–	–

1. A: Similar practices defined in all or most companies; B: Practices in use; C: Development need mentioned (+ Yes; ~ To some extent; - No)