In a modern HSE management system, occupational risk assessment plays a key role, as this procedure allows employers to systematically influence the creation of safe working conditions and ensure the preservation of workers' lives and health.
Occupational risk management is a set of interrelated measures and procedures that include hazard identification, risk level assessment, implementation of mitigation measures, and the control and review of identified occupational risks. This procedure is regulated by the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, Order of the Ministry of Labor of the Russian Federation No. 776N dated October 29, 2021, "On Approval of the Model Regulation on the Occupational Health and Safety Management System," and Order of the Ministry of Labor of the Russian Federation No. 926 dated December 28, 2021, "On Approval of Recommendations for Choosing Methods for Assessing Occupational Risk Levels and Reducing Such Risks."
The identification of occupational risks, as well as the method for assessing their levels, must take into account the specific features and complexities of the employer's production process. A formalistic approach to this procedure is unacceptable.
Many employers engage independent organizations with the necessary expertise to identify hazards and assess occupational risk levels. However, who better than the employees of structural divisions and their managers are familiar with the company's processes and operations, know the specifics of the activities, and face these risks daily during their work?
The company's own employees will be interested in a reliable assessment of existing risks and the development of practical control measures, as this procedure is the foundation of their safety. The occupational risk assessment committee should include specialists involved in managing production processes and facilities where hazard identification and risk assessment are planned. These specialists must possess the necessary competencies relevant to the evaluated activities, the application of risk mitigation measures, and their prevention.
Only the involvement of the organization's own employees will provide reliable and comprehensive information about:
a) technological processes and their parameters;
b) the availability and operability of technological process safety systems;
c) equipment, tools, and fixtures;
d) the actual technical condition of equipment and tools, as well as the timeliness and quality of their maintenance;
e) the compliance of existing equipment with design solutions;
f) general utility work;
g) work performed during the localization and elimination of emergency situations;
h) hazardous substances (materials, reagents, etc.);
i) the activities of all personnel, including contractor (supplier) employees and visitors.
Furthermore, when assessing occupational risk levels, their subsequent control and monitoring are essential, as this process is continuous, and the company's specialists are indispensable here. The legislation of the Russian Federation does not stipulate a strict frequency for assessing occupational risk levels, which is why, often after a risk assessment, the corresponding documentation is shelved. However, continuous control and monitoring will allow the employer to see whether risk management measures are working, receive feedback from employees, and, if necessary, adjust the developed measures.
Such an approach by the employer will make risk assessment a "living" mechanism for ensuring safe working conditions, as well as more understandable for the employees themselves. Moving away from a formalistic approach to occupational risk assessment will allow, based on its results, the development of management measures aimed at practically improving working conditions, and providing employees with personal protective equipment and cleansing agents in accordance with the hazards affecting them.
Mission possible: the procedure will help protect workers from the impact of identified risks and minimize their effects, thereby ensuring the preservation of workers' lives and health.