TOOL BOX TALKS
OHS Risk Management
Definitions
• Hazard – anything with the potential to
cause harm to a person or damage to
property
• Risk – the actual harm which can result
• Think of a shark in a pool – shark is the
hazard, risk relates to level of hunger,
presence of people, swimming ability etc.
How to identify hazards
• Informally through observations or
complaints
• Formally through inspection checklists for
your own workplace, clients home,
community venues, host employer
workplaces, client assessments, intake
information, incident reports, MSDS or
equipment audits, equipment instruction
manuals, safety audits
Organisations Hazard Identification
Strategies
• Discuss what you use, when it is used, who
uses it and the consultation undertaken
How to assess the level of risk
• Refer to available information to determine the
likelihood of harm occurring and the consequences
of the harm i.e. severity of injury
• Consider contributing factors such as work
environment, capacity and experience of worker,
training provided, knowledge of client
mobility/behaviour
• Consider workplace knowledge e.g. past history,
work organisation, level of exposure etc
• Rate the risk according to the following matrix
Risk Assessment Exercise
• Give some practical examples depending on
services provided e.g.
1. providing home support and large dog
present
2. Community access with client who is
unsteady on feet
3. Client in a disability enterprise who tends to
swear at other clients – upsetting them
HAZPAK – Risk Assessment Model
1 How severely could it hurt
someone, or
how ill could it make
someone?
Kill or cause permanent
disability or ill health
!
Long term illness or
serious injury
!!
Medical attention or
several days off work
!!!
First aid needed
2 How likely is it to be that bad?
__
VERY
LIKELY
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
VERY
UNLIKELY
Could happen
any time
Could happen
sometime
Could happen,
but very
unlikely
Could happen,
but probably
never will
1
1
2
3
1
2
3
2
3
4
3
4
5
4
5
6
The numbers show you how important it is to do something: 1 Top priority: do something immediately 6 Low priority: do something when possible
Risk Controls
• Eliminate hazard if possible e.g. cease activity
completely
• Minimise risk from hazard by implementing
suitable controls.
• Develop in accordance with Hierarchy of
Controls using one or more to achieve highest
level of control possible.
HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS
In relation to discomfort whilst using oven cleaner
1. Eliminate the hazard
e.g. Cease performing cleaning task
If this is not practicable

2. Substitute the hazard with something of e.g. replace cleaning product with a low
lesser risk
toxic product
If this is not practicable

3. Use engineering controls e.g. redesign,
ventilation, isolation
e.g Mechanise the process through a
pump system,
If this is not practicable

4. Use administrative controls
e.g. write a safe work procedure covering
cleaning tasks and provide training
If this is not practicable

5. Use Personal Protective Equipment
e.g. Issue gloves, mask and overalls
3/23/2016
Risk Control Exercise
• Using previous examples developed develop some
risk controls for the situations e.g.
1. Dog required to be confined to back yard during
service (not including hanging out washing)
2. Utilise wheelchair when taking client out
3. Identify cause of swearing and address, separate
client from others, reward client for not swearing by
giving responsible task and include in behaviour
support plan