Start with the actual task and conditions
Describe the activity, the people involved and the working environment. Consider routine work, changes and relevant non-routine situations. A general label such as “warehouse risk” is too broad to guide a useful discussion. Employees can contribute observations, while the organisation’s responsible personnel determine the appropriate assessment process and specialist support.
Keep the hazard and risk discussion clear
A hazard is a potential source of harm; risk assessment considers the likelihood and severity of harm in the relevant circumstances. Follow the organisation’s approved method rather than inventing a score to complete the form. Record assumptions and uncertainties. If the team lacks the information or competence to assess a situation, involve the appropriate safety personnel.
Connect controls with responsibility
The DOSH HIRARC guidance describes a systematic process for identifying hazards, assessing risks and considering controls. In a training exercise, ask what action needs review, who is responsible and how the control will be checked. Avoid assuming that a reminder or an item of protective equipment resolves every hazard. Actual controls require appropriate assessment and authorisation.
Review when the work changes
Risk assessment should remain connected with real conditions. New equipment, tasks, materials or working arrangements can require review through the organisation’s process. Employees should know how to report a concern and where the current information is kept. Training supports awareness and participation; legal duties, technical controls and competent assessment remain the organisation’s responsibility.
Worked example: An observation becomes an assessment question
In a fictional learning exercise, staff notice that a trolley route crosses a busy pedestrian area. Instead of assigning an arbitrary score, they describe the activity, who may be affected and what needs examination by the responsible safety team. The exercise practises useful observation and reporting. It does not prescribe a control for a real site without an assessment.
Put it into practice
- Describe the task, people and conditions.
- Use the approved risk assessment method.
- Assign assessment and action to appropriate owners.
- Review relevant changes and report concerns.