Revision Notes Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is a systematic process used to identify potential hazards, evaluate the risks associated with those hazards, and implement measures to control or mitigate those risks. It typically involves the following steps:

  1. Hazard Identification: Identifying anything that has the potential to cause harm.
  2. Risk Analysis: Evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm that could result from the identified hazards.
  3. Risk Evaluation: Comparing the level of risk against pre-determined risk criteria to determine the significance of the risk.
  4. Risk Control: Implementing measures to eliminate or reduce the risks to an acceptable level.

Definitions

  • Hazard: Anything that has the potential to cause harm. This could be an object, substance, activity, or situation.
  • Harm: Physical injury or damage to health, property, or the environment.
  • Risk: The likelihood and severity of harm occurring as a result of exposure to a hazard.

Risk Severity Table

A risk severity table is used to categorize the severity of potential harm. It typically includes categories such as:

  • Negligible: No injury or damage; easily controlled.
  • Minor: Minor injury or damage; easily controlled with minor first aid.
  • Moderate: Injury or damage requiring medical attention; manageable with some effort.
  • Major: Serious injury or significant damage; requires significant effort to manage.
  • Catastrophic: Severe injury, death, or major damage; difficult to manage and may have long-term consequences.

Best Practices for Risk Assessments

  1. Comprehensive Hazard Identification: Go beyond obvious hazards and consider less apparent risks, such as ergonomic issues and psychological stressors.
  2. Quantitative Risk Analysis: Use quantitative methods to estimate the probability and impact of identified risks, providing a more objective basis for decision-making.
  3. Involvement of Stakeholders: Engage all relevant stakeholders, including crew members, contractors, and safety officers, in the risk assessment process to ensure diverse perspectives and comprehensive coverage.
  4. Regular Training and Drills: Conduct regular training sessions and emergency drills to ensure that all personnel are familiar with risk mitigation procedures and can respond effectively in an emergency.
  5. Use of Technology: Leverage technology such as risk assessment software and real-time monitoring systems to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of risk assessments.
  6. Continuous Improvement: Establish a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating risk assessments based on new information, incidents, and feedback from personnel.

Legislation and Codes:

  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA): The MCA provides comprehensive guidelines on risk assessments for marine environments

Previous Accident Investigation Reports:

  • Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB): Reports from MAIB provide valuable insights into common causes of marine accidents and recommended preventive measures

 

Useful Publications

  • Code Of Safe Working Practice
  • Guidance Notes on Risk Assessment Applications for the Marine and Offshore Industries by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
  • Marine Risk Management: Best Practice by ABPmer
  • Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) Reports

Expanded revision notes on Risk Assessments

The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) is a critical document that provides detailed guidance on ensuring safety on board ships through effective risk assessment and management. Here's an expanded summary of the key points:

Risk Assessment Process

  1. Identify Hazards:
    • Types of Hazards: Physical hazards (e.g., machinery, slips, and falls), chemical hazards (e.g., toxic substances), biological hazards (e.g., viruses), ergonomic hazards (e.g., repetitive motion), and psychosocial hazards (e.g., stress, fatigue).
    • Sources of Hazards: Work processes, equipment, environment, and human factors.
  2. Evaluate Risks:
    • Risk Matrix: Use a risk matrix to evaluate and prioritize risks based on their likelihood and severity. For example:
      • Likelihood: Very unlikely, unlikely, possible, likely, very likely.
      • Severity: Negligible, minor, moderate, major, catastrophic.
    • Risk Rating: Combine the likelihood and severity to determine the risk rating (e.g., low, medium, high, extreme).
  3. Implement Controls:
    • Hierarchy of Controls:
      1. Elimination: Remove the hazard completely.
      2. Substitution: Replace the hazard with a less dangerous option.
      3. Engineering Controls: Isolate people from the hazard (e.g., guardrails, ventilation).
      4. Administrative Controls: Change the way people work (e.g., training, procedures).
      5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide equipment to protect individuals (e.g., helmets, gloves).
  4. Monitor and Review:
    • Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor the effectiveness of control measures and the risk environment.
    • Regular Reviews: Conduct periodic reviews of risk assessments, especially after incidents or changes in operations.
    • Feedback Loop: Incorporate feedback from crew and other stakeholders to improve the risk assessment process.

Emergency Procedures and Rescuing Planning

  1. Rescue Planning:
    • Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define roles and responsibilities for all involved in the rescue operation.
    • Equipment: Ensure all necessary rescue equipment is available and in good working condition.
    • Access and Egress: Plan safe entry and exit routes for the rescue team
  2. Typical Emergency Response Mode:
    • Initial Assessment: Quick assessment to determine the nature and extent of the emergency.
    • Activation of Emergency Protocols: Immediate activation of emergency response protocols, including raising alarms.
    • Evacuation: Safe evacuation of non-essential personnel from the affected area.
    • Rescue Operation: Deployment of a trained rescue team equipped with appropriate PPE and breathing apparatus.
    • Medical Support: Provision of medical support to affected individuals.
    • Post-Incident Review: Conduct a thorough review of the incident to identify lessons learned and improve future responses

Key Persons Involved in Risk Assessment and Permit to Work

  1. Designated Person: Ensures the Safety Management System (SMS) is effective and audits compliance with safety codes.
  2. Safety Officer: Oversees safety policies, conducts risk assessments, and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
  3. Operations Manager: Manages day-to-day operations and ensures activities are conducted safely.
  4. Emergency Response Team Leader: Leads rescue operations and coordinates with the emergency response team.
  5. Environmental Officer: Conducts environmental risk assessments and ensures activities do not negatively impact the marine environment.
  6. Maintenance Supervisor: Conducts risk assessments related to maintenance activities and ensures equipment is maintained.

Useful Publications