The general approach to occupational health and safety risk assessments varies from organisation to organisation and industry demands when NEBOSH systems are not in place. This can be a potentially big issue as some organisations might not prioritise assessments as much as others. It is also a case of safety officers not receiving the best training available.
This is where NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) comes in. NEBOSH is the global standard in health, safety, and environmental management. Although not legally required conformity is highly recommended for global expansion of an organisation to ensure trust in other countries.
The General Approach to Risk Assessment
Most organisations rely on basic hazard identification, which is a step in the right direction however most organisations stop here. Basic identification of risks also missing risks that are not obvious such as ergonomic or psychosocial and not performing a thorough examination of all potential risks.
Why This Is Not Working Anymore
The general risk assessment relies on subjective judgement and simple risk matrices. Without following a standardised framework such as NEBOSH, different organisations could produce varying conclusions about the same risks, leading to variability in the assessment process. Leading to a lack of consistency and depth.
When there are gaps in the risk assessments it’s easier for smaller but potentially dangerous risks to go unnoticed which could have devastating consequences in the future or even during construction such as we saw in Cape Town, George on the 7th of May 2024.
The Lack of OHS International Standards Within South African Organisations
One of the biggest concerns in South Africa regarding construction is the lack of international standards being adopted and enforced. Whether it is to save costs or cut down on time, the long-term consequences are severe. With enforcement and some tweaks international standards will make various industries safer for staff short and long-term.
The Role NEBOSH Training Plays
NEBOSH training is recognised worldwide and is aligned with international standards, such as ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems). This approach ensures that NEBOSH-trained OHS officers are equipped with knowledge applicable across different countries and industries, which is often not the case with the general OHS training.
The NEBOSH Way to Risk Assessments
When receiving NEBOSH training delegates are thoroughly trained on the structured, systematic, and comprehensive approach of NEBOSH. This approach ensures all risk assessments are thorough, consistent, and aligned with best practices and international standards. By aligning with international standards, South African organisations become on par with global standards raising our reputation.
Below is an outline of the key elements of the NEBOSH approach to risk assessments:
The NEBOSH Process
NEBOSH provides a step-by-step approach to risk assessments that are often aligned to the Five Steps to Risk Assessment model with one extra step:
1. Identify Hazards
The workplace is to be systematically examined for all potential hazards. Not just obvious physical hazards but also other risks such as:
- Chemical
- Biological
- Ergonomic
- Psychosocial
- Fire
- Electricity
2. Identify Who Might Be Harmed and How
Assess who might be at risk of the hazard and how they might be harmed. People to take into consideration include:
- Employees
- Contractors
- Visitors
- Vulnerable groups including pregnant workers and people with disabilities.
3. Evaluate Risks and Decide on Precautions
The likelihood and severity of harm from each hazard should be analysed. This can be done through a risk matrix or similar tool to prioritise risks. Controls would then need to be decided following the hierarchy of controls:
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
4. Record Findings and Implement Precautions
All findings during risk assessments are to be clearly and concisely documented. Documentation should include:
- Identified hazards.
- Risks they pose.
- Control measures implemented.
- Who is responsible for taking action?
5. Review and Update the Assessment
Risk assessments should be reviewed and updated regularly. Especially if there is new equipment, processes, or after an incident.
5. Integration with OHS Management Systems
NEBOSH encourages integration with ISO 45001:2015 Occupational Health and Safety Management System. Integrating these systems ensures that risk assessments are not an isolated exercise but part of a proactive, systematic approach to managing workplace safety and health.
The NEBOSH process for risk assessment is systematic and evidence based. Thus, providing a clear and structured best practice process. This process ensures risks are identified, evaluated, mitigated, and integrated into broader OHS management systems (such as ISO 45001:2018 OH&S Management Systems).
NEBOSH Training with WWISE Experts
At WWISE, we offer NEBOSH training with world class facilitators. Our training breaks down complex processes into actionable steps to ensure your team can provide effective risk assessments.
For organisations seeking to enhance safety practices, our experts provide comprehensive training and consulting aligned with international standards and best practises.
Contact us today at 012 644 0142 or email admin@wwise.co.za for more information about how our NEBOSH training can improve your safety management.