What are the Steps for Construction Risk Assessment

Introduction

Complete risk assessment procedures are applicable to various industries like automotive, construction, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. Workers and management have the fundamental responsibility of assessing the risks related to occupational safety that can result in hazards in the forms of personal injury and property damages. Complete evaluation and analysis of the risks can lead to the design, development, and implementation of safety procedures from the first level.

Construction Risks — Assessment Guidelines

The basic guidelines of construction risk assessment start from the identification of potential risks. They could be located within the construction site or outside the premises. You could start by relating the risks and the probable hazards they can cause to the people and property. Some of them could be

· Unattended debris

· Open electrical connections

· Fuel and flammable liquids

· Electrical and mechanical equipment

· Construction equipment (Ex: ladders)

· Unprotected structures etc

The first step of the assessment is the documentation of risks. The contractor should distribute the documents to all the concerned persons who could be working within the site. He also has the responsibility of training the workers and other personnel about the safety and security measures for protection from risks.

Assessment Criteria — Identification of Intensity

The process risk assessment should include intensity analysis and the level of hazard that may include serious personal injuries which may include

· Fractures

· Temporary or permanent disability

· Internal organ damages

· Death

The workers involved in construction could be exposed to various levels of intensity, depending on the location, level, and proximity to the risk zone. For example, a construction worker climbing the ladder within the building interior could be prone to the risk of slip and fall that is in the moderate to medium level of intensity. On the other hand, a worker on the higher floors in the building is prone to the risk of falls and fatal injury.

Similarly, a worker having no protective gear will have a higher risk of accidental injuries compared to the worker who is well protected. Similarly, the type of injury could also vary, depending on the exposure to risks. For example, you can consider the following types of exposures.

· Toxic gasses

· Chemicals

· Asbestos

· Electrical circuits

· Water

· Heights

· Narrow spaces etc

The risk of exposure to chemicals and toxic gases could result in immediate, short-term, or long-term damages to the

· Skin

· Muscles and joints

· Bones

· Sense organs

· Cardiovascular system

· Nervous system

· Circulatory system etc

Best Assessment Ways — Ask a Consultant

Occupational risk assessment consultants can play an important role in providing the best solutions that are corrective and preventive in the implementation. Preventive measures are stated to be more effective and practical for they avoid the risk from the levels of causation.

Conclusion

Following the OSHA guidelines will be helpful in creating the best risk assessment method evaluation and implementation procedures. The usage of safety and protection gear for the workers can be the best solution to the practical problems that are associated with professional hazards.

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nic kj Joined: January 9th, 2020