Risk Assessment and Control
What this domain tests
This domain tests the difference between a hazard and a risk, and whether you can select controls in the right order. A hazard is a source of harm; risk combines likelihood and severity. The assessment should identify who can be harmed, evaluate existing controls, decide further controls and record the residual risk.
Core rules
- Use the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, then PPE.
- PPE is the last line of defence because it depends on fit, use and maintenance.
- Consider routine and non-routine work, emergencies, maintenance, cleaning, visitors and foreseeable misuse.
- Consult workers who do the task; review after incidents, changes, new information or at planned intervals.
- Record the significant findings and the basis for accepting residual risk.
Worked example
Workers lift 25 kg boxes from floor to shoulder height. Elimination might mean bulk delivery. Engineering might mean a scissor lift table. Administrative controls could include team lifting and rotation. PPE such as gloves does not reduce spinal load. The reasoned choice is to eliminate or engineer first, then train and monitor, because manual handling risk is primarily biomechanical, not a glove problem.
Traps
Starting with PPE; using a risk matrix as a substitute for judgement; assessing only normal operations; ignoring cleaning and maintenance; recording “low risk” without stating existing controls; failing to review after a near miss.