What are the common tools and techniques for identifying and assessing safety risks?

To identify and assess safety risks, use tools like risk assessment matrices, SWOT analysis, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Employ techniques such as hazard identification through inspections and checklists, Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for breaking down tasks, and safety audits. Root Cause Analysis helps understand incident origins, while employee feedback and incident reporting provide practical insights. Benchmarking against industry standards ensures comprehensive risk management.

Utilizando ferramentas como: Análise preliminar de riscos para identificar e avaliar os riscos nas atividades, checklists de verificação para garantir a conformidade das áreas de preocupação, utilizando a FMEA para priorizar os riscos em sistemas com base na severidade, frequência e detecção de falhas. Entre outas como: Análise de árvore de falha (FTA); Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (HACCP); Observação no Local de Trabalho; Entrevistas e consultas; Análise de Incidentes e Acidentes.

Hazard identification is a starting point in safety risk assessment as hazards serve as the foundation for risk assessment. There are many methods for identifying hazards, which are divided into Reactive method, Proactive method and Predictive method. In fact, hazard identification provides the raw material for risk assessment. After hazard identification, the subsequent steps involve assessing and managing the risks associated with those hazards.

Independente da metodologia escolhida, é crucial analisar o conceito de cada tarefa ou atividade, examinando suas variações e potenciais falhas. A entrevista com os executores desempenha um papel fundamental nesse processo. Seja para atender normas ISO, requisitos corporativos ou simplesmente para manter a segurança, o mapeamento de riscos deve ser um processo dinâmico. Os aprendizados reativos devem constantemente alimentar a identificação de perigos, garantindo que cada novo processo seja analisado antes de ser implementado. Dessa forma, a organização constrói um sistema robusto e adaptável, capaz de antecipar e mitigar riscos de maneira eficaz.

Quién conoce más los peligros que las mismas personas que realizan las actividades? Es el propio trabajador, el experto en su tarea, quien mejor nos puede ayudar a realizar esa identificación de peligros. Una de las mejores herramientas es realizar una entrevista de los trabajadores en el sitio de trabajo, para que nos muestre a nosotros como expertos en seguridad y salud en el trabajo las tareas y podamos hacer sinergia para la identificación de peligros.

Risk analysis involves identifying, assessing, and evaluating potential risks to understand their impact and likelihood. Using tools like Risk Assessment Matrices and FMEA, it helps prioritize risks and develop mitigation strategies. Effective risk analysis ensures proactive management and enhances decision-making.

Para realizar la evaluación de los riesgos se determina el nivel de probabilidad (NP) y el nivel de consecuencia (NC). Entendiendo que el Nivel de Probabilidad es: NP= Nivel de Deficiencia x Nivel Exposición. Calcularemos el Nivel de Riesgo así: NR = NP x NC De esta manera, el análisis de riesgos, considerar la frecuencia de exposición y las consecuencias esperadas al materializarse los peligros. Pero una de las características más difíciles de evaluar es el nivel de deficiencia, que los podemos considerar como la eficacia de los controles implementados, por tanto con la siguiente clasificación se puede realizar una mejor valoración asignando una escala según los controles que se haya implementado en la jerarquía de controles (ISO 45001)

Depending on the risk challenge, we need to choose different criteria for evaluating likelihood and severity. For example, we can use quantitative methods for both likelihood and severity, or qualitative methods for severity only. The former is more suitable for aviation, while the latter is more applicable for nuclear and petrochemical industries. Therefore, the evaluation choice is based on the risk challenge. The impact is the consequence or effect of the risk, normally associated with impact to schedule, cost, scope and quality. Probability and severity can be combined using different methods to calculate the risk score. One common method is the expected value formula: Risk score = Probability x Impact x Exposure x Sensitivity.

Risk evaluation involves comparing the results of risk analysis with your organization's established risk criteria and thresholds to determine if risks are acceptable, tolerable, or intolerable. This process can employ methods like cost-benefit analysis, risk-reward analysis, or risk appetite statements. The goal of risk evaluation is to prioritize the risks requiring treatment and to communicate risk levels and decisions to relevant stakeholders. This ensures informed decision-making and effective resource allocation to manage and mitigate risks appropriately.

Risk evaluation involves comparing identified risks against established criteria to determine their significance. It assesses the potential impact and likelihood of risks to prioritize them effectively. This process helps in focusing resources on high-priority risks and developing targeted mitigation strategies.

Risk treatment is the process of managing identified risks to either reduce, eliminate, or transfer them. After identifying safety risks through tools like HAZOP, FMEA, or risk matrices, we move on to treatment strategies. These strategies can involve mitigation (implementing controls to reduce risk), avoidance (eliminating risky activities), transfer (sharing the risk, e.g., through insurance), or acceptance (when risks fall within tolerable levels). The key is continual monitoring and adjustment to ensure risk treatments remain effective as operational environments change.

O tratamento de risco deve ser estratégico, priorizando os riscos críticos e envolvendo a alta administração. É fundamental criar comitês multidisciplinares para definir ações, orçamento e impactos envolvidos. Manter o foco nos benefícios ao controlar certos riscos, além de considerar os custos envolvidos, é crucial. O tratamento de riscos não deve ser apenas uma medida de contenção, mas sim uma estratégia para impulsionar a resiliência organizacional, alinhando-se às metas e à visão de longo prazo da empresa.

Risk treatment involves developing and implementing strategies to mitigate or manage identified risks. This may include reducing risk probability, minimizing impacts, transferring risk through insurance, or accepting it if it's within acceptable levels. Effective treatment ensures robust risk management and safety.

Debemos seguir la jerarquía de controles establecida por la norma ISO 45001, donde se define que el mejor tratamiento del riesgo es ELIMINAR los peligros, si no lo podemos hacer, buscar SUSTITUIRLOS por unos menos riesgosos, si no lo podemos hacer, revisar CONTROLES DE INGENIERIA, y luego implementar CONTROLES ADMINISTRATIVOS y por última medida de protección sería ELEMENTOS DE PROTECCIÓN PERSONAL.

Risk monitoring and review involve continuously tracking identified risks and evaluating the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. Regular audits and performance checks help ensure controls remain effective and adapt to new risks. This ongoing process ensures proactive risk management and continual improvement.

In my experience, utilizing a combination of hazard identification tools like checklists and audits, along with risk analysis techniques such as SWOT analysis and FMEA, provides a comprehensive understanding of safety risks. Subsequently, evaluating risks against established criteria and implementing effective risk treatment strategies ensure proactive risk management. Regular monitoring and review processes, coupled with transparent communication and consultation with stakeholders, foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement. Balancing qualitative and quantitative approaches optimizes risk management outcomes, enhancing organizational resilience and sustainability.