Step 3: Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions

The risk is the chance that somebody could be harmed by a hazard. You need to identify whether the risk could cause serious harm to the individual.

Evaluate

• Consider how likely it is that each hazard could cause harm and how serious that harm will likely be if it does happen — this will help you decide whether you need to do more to reduce the risk. Even after you've applied all measures, some risk usually remains.
• Classify the risks as high, medium or low.

Decide the precautions

Your aim is to either get rid of the hazard altogether or control it to a reasonably feasible minimum level.

Consider whether:

• Any existing controls or practices meet legal requirements (such as preventing access to dangerous parts of machinery) and comply with generally accepted industry standards
• There are any other safety measures that are reasonably feasible to implement to keep the workplace safe
• You need to produce a plan, giving priority to any remaining risks that are high and those that could affect most people

When controlling risks, apply the following (if possible):

1. Try a less risky option, such as using a less hazardous chemical

2. Prevent employees from going near the hazard, e.g. by using guarding

3. Organise work to reduce exposing the employee to the hazard

4. Give out personal protective equipment where necessary

5. Provide welfare facilities, such as washing facilities to remove contamination, and a first aid kit

6. Involve and consult workers