What is Risk Assessment?
A Risk Assessment is arguably the most important “tool” for use in machinery safety. It is simply a careful examination of what, when using a machine, could cause harm to the user and anyone affected by the machine, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. Risk Assessment must be undertaken by machinery manufacturers & importers as well as the users.
Accidents and ill health can ruin lives and affect your business too if output is lost, machinery is damaged, insurance costs increase or you have to go to court. Companies are legally obliged to assess risks so that they may put in place a plan to control the risks and implement action.
Risk Assessment should be considered for all aspects of use, throughout the whole life-cycle of the machine, from design to disposal. Assessment methods have two basic forms, qualitative and quantitative but unfortunately they are not always applied appropriately.
What is Risk Reduction?
Risk Assessment in isolation is of little use unless actions for Risk Reduction are considered. A strategy for risk reduction should follow a 3 step process:-
Step 1 – Inherently safe design
Step 2 – Safeguarding and complementary protective measures
Step 3 – Information for safe use
“Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of … the risks to the health and safety of his employees”
Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999
Solon Systems can provide a full risk/risk reduction service for your business.
