Risk Assessment and Management

Context: Why Risk Management Determines Safety Levels

Risk management is not just a formal legal requirement, but a fundamental tool for achieving the goal of zero injuries in the workplace. Incident investigation statistics show that the root causes of incidents are most often organizational factors and inadequate hazard assessment at workplaces. In the presentation, experts examine in detail the transformation of corporate culture, where risk management becomes a daily practice for every employee, not just dedicated HSE professionals.

From Hazard to Risk: A Step-by-Step Assessment Methodology

The speaker analyzes a critical stage where effective prevention begins: training production personnel to correctly understand the difference between a hazard (a source of threat) and a risk (the probability of injury). Only a correct formulation of the risk allows for the development of effective control measures.

In practice, a six-step model is applied: from detailed identification of all processes in the area to monitoring the effectiveness of implemented protective measures. The assessment is conducted by cross-functional working groups based on two key parameters: the probability of a hazardous situation occurring and the severity of its consequences. The results form a color-coded risk matrix, where each level (from green to critical black) strictly regulates the status of the manager authorized to make decisions on work permits.

Hierarchy of Controls and Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

The selection of protective measures is based on a strict hierarchy of risk controls. The speaker demonstrates with an example why the priority should always be the physical elimination of the hazard or the installation of engineering barriers, while administrative instructions and the use of PPE are considered the least reliable lines of defense.

For non-routine tasks, high-risk work, or even the slightest change in standard working conditions, the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) tool is used. This method allows the line manager to break down the upcoming process into micro-stages, assess the residual risk after applying protective measures, and make an informed decision about the possibility of safely completing the task.

Last Minute Risk Assessment (LMRA) and SOP Digitalization

The development of awareness at the level of direct executors is implemented through the Last Minute Risk Assessment (LMRA) tool — instilling in employees a so-called "chronic sense of unease." This is a practical skill to stop, assess changes in the work environment (whether it is a tool dropped under moving parts of equipment or a hidden obstacle on the route), and take actions to reduce the risk before resuming work.

To reinforce safe methods for performing routine operations, visualized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are developed, which are directly linked to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. The transition of hundreds of paper instructions into a single electronic registry with interactive navigation has radically solved the problem of document retrieval and provided operators with instant access to up-to-date safety standards right at their workplaces.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to teach production personnel to clearly distinguish between the concepts of hazard and risk when describing work processes?
• How to use a risk matrix to distribute areas of responsibility among managers of different levels?
• Why is it necessary to rely on the hierarchy principle when developing control measures and avoid focusing exclusively on PPE?
• In which production situations is the use of the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) tool strictly mandatory?
• How to integrate the practice of Last Minute Risk Assessment (LMRA) into the daily routine of line personnel?
• How does the digitalization of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) increase the efficiency of risk management?