HSE mapping and risk assessment of the work environment
In the HSE mapping, we assess conditions that are particularly important for health, environment, and safety at UiA. The mapping method must be adapted to the activities and working conditions of each unit.
Risk assessment includes
- A systematic mapping and evaluation of all conditions in the work that can lead to personal injury, health issues, or disease.
- A systematic effort to identify and assess the effectiveness of measures that can reduce the risk associated with these conditions
This process must be reviewed by the units annually.
Templates
Template for risk assessment of the work environment
Template for safe job analysis
Roles and Responsibilities
- The HSE manager is responsible for ensuring that risk assessment is carried out within their area of responsibility.
- The safety representative should be consulted and ensure that measures are followed up.
- Employees should participate and contribute to the process.
- The occupational health service can participate as needed.
All work environment areas must be assessed for risk
The work environment can be divided into six areas.
Several of these areas have statutory additional requirements that indicate what should be assessed for risk and require professional expertise to conduct a good risk assessment.
Within each work environment area, there are many different factors that can lead to increased risk of injury, health issues, or disease. Which factors are relevant will vary from unit to unit.
Work environment factors
Risk mapping and analysis of the work environment at UiA can include, but is not limited to, the following factors:
Organizational
- working alone
- night work and shift work
- workforce reduction
- monotonous work
- lack of or inappropriate planning:
- organization of work
- facilitation
- working time
- control and monitoring
- management and planning systems
- procedures and guidelines
- employee involvement
- information and training
- protective equipment
- collaboration with the occupational health service
Physical
- inappropriate or hazardous conditions of the workplace, building, equipment, materials, etc.
- use of machines and other work equipment that are in poor technical condition, worn out, non-functional, or not suited to the work or workplace, etc.
- unsafe accommodations
- poor indoor climate
- insufficient lighting
- noise
- vibrations
- ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
- nature and weather conditions
- work in (extreme) heat and/or cold
Ergonomic
- work with the head bent forward
- work in a forward-bent position
- work in a squatting or kneeling position
- standing work
- work with hands above shoulder height
- repetitive and monotonous hand or arm movements
- heavy physical work
- lifting in uncomfortable positions
- heavy lifting
- vibrations
Chemical
Innånding av:
- Inhalation of gas or vapor
- organic dust
- mineral dust
- metal dust, welding fumes
- fire smoke and other types of smoke
- diesel exhaust and exhaust from other combustion processes
- chemicals or chemical products
- Skin contact with:
- cleaning and disinfecting agents
- degreasing agents and solvents
- water (wet work)
Biological
Contact with biological materials such as:
- body fluids and tissues
- sewage, compost, and waste
- living and dead animals
- infectious biological agents
- mold and fungi
Psychosocial
- high job demands, such as fast work pace and large workload
- limited autonomy
- emotional demands
- lack of recognition for the effort put forth
- role conflict
- lack of social support
- job insecurity
- violence and threats
- unwanted sexual attention
- bullying and harassment
- conflicts
Risk assessment process
Mapping
The risk assessment should be based on identification of hazards and issues that may arise in connection with the work. During the mapping, you should gain an overview of, among other things:
- the work processes you have, the types of tasks to be performed, and by whom
- the accident and health hazards that may be associated with the work
- the problems and undesirable events or conditions that these hazards may lead to
The goal of mapping is to establish a foundation for the rest of the risk assessment process and to ensure you are aware of the hazards and issues that may arise in your work environment. Use documentation and experiences from previous undesirable events and deviations, safety rounds, work environment surveys, and similar activities in the mapping process.
These questions should be included in the mapping:
- What work processes and tasks do you have in the business?
- Where is the work performed? Is the workplace stationary or mobile?
- Who performs the work? Specify, for example, the professional group, employment form, level of experience, special vulnerable groups (pregnant, temporary workers, young, foreign, etc.)
- What do you use to perform the work? Specify, for example, equipment, machines, and chemicals. Is there anything that could be hazardous or pose a health risk?
- Is there relevant information from previous risk assessments or other documentation?
- What hazards and problems might employees be exposed to in their work? Could they be exposed to hazards and problems during cleaning or maintenance of equipment?
- What are the possible causes of hazards and problems?
- Can anyone become ill or injured at work acutely or over time?
- What measures or barriers are already in place to prevent injuries, health issues, and illnesses due to work?
Assess probability, consequence and risk
When evaluating risk based on the hazards and issues you have identified, it may be appropriate to:
- assess the probability of the undesirable event/condition occurring in the workplace
- describe and assess the consequence that the undesirable event/condition may have on employees' health (health issues, illnesses, or injuries)
- consider probability and consequence together, and account for any uncertainty or weaknesses in the mapping
Certain types of exposures, such as noise, vibrations, radiation, and chemicals, have specific action and limit values stipulated in regulations.
Describe and assess consequences
Describe and assess the consequences of the undesirable events you have identified.
In this context, we focus only on consequences that impact employees' health and safety, meaning health issues, illnesses, or injuries. The consequence of a specific event may vary for different individuals.
Examples of vulnerable or other exposed groups include:
- young or inexperienced employees
- pregnant employees
- foreign workers
- employees from other businesses, such as rented personnel and subcontractors
- visitors and passersby
- employees who are not present when the event occurs but may be affected later
Plan and implement measures to reduce risk
The purpose of the measures should be to prevent health issues, injuries, and illnesses. When you propose, assess, and implement measures, consider the following questions:
- Is it possible to eliminate the risk completely?
- What can we do to prevent the event or issue from occurring (probability-reducing measures)?
- What can we do to prevent or reduce the consequences if the event or issue does occur (consequence-reducing measures)?
- Have we fulfilled all legal and regulatory requirements? There are various demands for measures in specific types of work, including in regulations on the performance of work.
- Have we adhered to recognized industry norms, standards, and best practices?
- How do we ensure that the measures remain effective over time?
Examples of measures:
- organizational changes
- technical measures or barriers
- new or upgraded equipment, materials, or machinery
- training
- new or revised work methods, procedures, or routines
- information
- facilitation
- personal protective equipment or aids
Create an action plan with measures
Document the measures you have identified, for instance, in an action plan. This is important for maintaining an overview and aiding in the follow-up of the measures. Implementing the measures outlined in the action plan is crucial for systematic HSE work.
A key aspect of the action plan is prioritizing the various measures. Prioritize measures that can:
- prevent and limit issues or events with high risk
- prevent the event or problem from occurring (probability-reducing measures)
Evaluate measures and repeat the process
Risk assessment is a continuous process that is not completed once and for all. If workplace changes affect risk or new hazards are identified, you should update the risk assessment and action plan.
There are several reasons to go through the process again and update all or parts of the risk assessment:
- Have you implemented all the measures you decided on?
- What effect have the measures had?
- What has worked?
- What has not worked, and why?
- Are the measures adequate, or do you need to do something more or something different to reduce risk?
- Have the measures led to new hazards or issues?
- Have changes in the workplace altered the risk? Review the mapping and risk assessment and check if there have been any changes since the last review. This might involve:
- new or modified work processes or tasks
- new tools or machines
- interaction with other businesses
- new hires
- reorganization/reductions
- new regulations or guidelines
Legislation
Internal Control Regulations §5(6)
Regulations concerning Organization, Management and Employee Participation
Regulations on the Performance of Work
- janne.ommundsen@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 48 15 68 12