SSRM - Popov (2022): Chapter 1.1 to 1.2.1, 1.2.4

What is the definition of "Risk Assessment" according to ANSI/ASSP Z690.3 - 2011?

Risk assessment is a structured process that identifies how objectives may be affected, analyzes the risk in terms of consequences and their probabilities, and determines whether further treatment is required.

How does ANSI/ASSP Z590.3 - 2011 define Risk Assessment?

It is a process that begins with hazard identification and analysis, determining the probable severity of harm or damage, followed by an estimate of the likelihood of the incident, concluding with a statement of risk.

What is a Change Agent in the context of safety professionals?

A change agent is a person who acts as a catalyst for organizational change by assessing the present state, contemplating a desired future, and taking action to achieve necessary cultural changes.

What significant international standard for occupational health and safety management was adopted in 2018?

ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems - Requirements with guidance for use.

Which American standard also requires the establishment of a risk assessment process and was updated in 2019?

ANSI/ASSP Z10.0 - 2019: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.

What are the four stages of communication critical for risk management in an operational setting?

(i) Preoperational, (ii) Operational, (iii) Post-incident, and (iv) Post-operation.

What is the main role of safety professionals when installing a risk assessment system?

Safety professionals act as culture change agents, guiding the organization through the necessary changes to improve operational risk management systems.

What is the importance of involving design and operations personnel in the risk assessment process?

Involving design and operations personnel helps ensure that risks are accurately assessed, and decisions are made to achieve acceptable risk levels.

Why is it important for safety professionals to understand multiple risk assessment techniques?

To ensure they can choose the appropriate method for the specific needs of their organization and not create unnecessary complexity.

What was one major outcome of the ASSP's 2013 Board of Directors meeting regarding risk assessment?

The creation of a Risk Assessment Institute and an ASSP Risk Assessment Committee to provide educational opportunities and resources on risk assessment for safety professionals.

How does risk assessment contribute to an organization's bottom line, aside from improving safety?

By effectively communicating the impact of risks to decision-makers, allowing for better mitigation of potential hazards that could affect the organization financially.

What cultural considerations should be taken into account when implementing a risk assessment system?

Safety professionals should recognize the existing power structures, ensure leadership commitment, involve workers, and align the system with organizational values.

What is the key difference between compliance-based safety management and risk-based decision-making?

Compliance-based safety focuses on meeting regulatory requirements, while risk-based decision-making aims at identifying and mitigating hazards proactively to improve overall safety performance.

Why is it suggested to start with a limited number of objectives when implementing a risk assessment system?

To ensure early success, avoid overwhelming the organization, and provide a foundation on which to build more complex systems over time.

How does ISO 45001 define the process of assessing occupational health and safety (OH&S) risks?

The process requires an organization to establish, implement, and maintain procedures to assess OH&S risks from identified hazards.

What is meant by "Hierarchy of Control" in risk management?

It refers to a system used to minimize risk by prioritizing hazard controls, starting with elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

What does the term "Prevention through Design" mean in ANSI/ASSP Z590.3 - 2011?

It refers to incorporating risk assessments and safety considerations into the design and redesign processes to prevent occupational hazards.

What was a major development in occupational health and safety management systems in 2018?

The adoption of ISO 45001 as the first international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, requiring risk assessments.

Why was the creation of the ASSP Risk Assessment Committee significant?

It marked an increased recognition of the importance of risk assessment in safety management and provided resources for safety professionals to develop these skills.

What is the role of safety professionals in risk-based decision-making processes?

Safety professionals help assess risks, facilitate decision-making, prioritize risks, and implement effective controls to manage hazards.

Why might a culture change be necessary when introducing a risk assessment system?

Because implementing a risk assessment system may require changes in how an organization operates, necessitating a shift in values, procedures, and behaviors to accommodate the new system.

What are some strategies to overcome resistance to culture change when implementing risk assessments?

Strategies include recognizing existing power structures, obtaining leadership commitment, involving workers, aligning the system with organizational values, and maintaining clear communication.

What should safety professionals focus on when selecting initial risk assessments in a new system?

They should select assessments where outcomes are beneficial and evident, to demonstrate success early and build momentum for broader implementation.

What is one common pitfall that should be avoided during culture change for risk assessments?

Declaring success too soon, as changes may take at least a year to become fully integrated and effective, with the risk of regression if not properly monitored.

How did safety performance in the U.S. plateau, and what indicated the need for a shift towards risk-based approaches?

From 2003 to 2016, fatal occupational injuries remained steady, indicating that regulatory compliance alone was insufficient for improving safety outcomes.

What role does communication play in the success of a risk assessment system?

Communication is critical at all levels, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the risk assessment process, objectives, and progress, from pre-operational to post-incident phases.

How can team building contribute to the successful implementation of a risk assessment system?

Team building ensures collaboration, trust, and shared goals among the people involved, which is vital for achieving the desired culture change and system effectiveness.

Why is it important to align the risk assessment process with other organizational values?

Aligning with organizational values ensures that the risk assessment process is seen as integral to the organization's overall mission, increasing buy-in and long-term success.

How can safety professionals increase their value to organizations through risk assessment?

By working closely with design and operations teams to assess risks and provide counsel on reducing risks, safety professionals can be viewed as essential members of the management team.

Describe the role of leadership commitment in successfully implementing a risk assessment system.

Leadership commitment is essential for providing the necessary resources, authority, and support to implement and sustain the risk assessment process across the organization.

How can safety professionals help ensure that risk assessments are practical and effective for their organization?

By avoiding unnecessary complexity, tailoring the system to the organization's needs, and ensuring the process is understandable and applicable to everyday operations.

What should be done to measure the success of a risk assessment system over time?

Regularly communicate progress on achieving objectives, track outcomes in a suitable file, and ensure that changes are sustained for at least a year to prevent reversion to old practices.

Why is it important to involve workers in the risk assessment process?

Involving workers ensures that the people who do the work have input on identifying hazards and assessing risks, leading to better acceptance and more practical controls.

What is the impact of properly designed risk assessments on decision-making in organizations?

Properly designed risk assessments provide decision-makers with clear information on the potential impact of risks, helping prioritize actions and allocate resources to manage safety and business risks effectively.

What is the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems adopted in 2018?

ISO 45001

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Which American organization approved ISO 45001 as an American standard?

ANSI

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Which of the following is the first step in a risk assessment process?

Hazard identification

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According to ISO 45001, who is responsible for establishing a risk assessment process?

The organization

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What is the primary role of safety professionals in risk-based decision-making processes?

Facilitating analysis and identifying practical solutions

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ANSI/ASSP Z590.3 is concerned with which of the following?

Prevention through design

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In a risk assessment, what does the term "consequence" refer to?

The severity of harm or damage

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What does a "Hierarchy of Control" prioritize in the risk management process?

Elimination of hazards over other controls

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Which of the following would NOT be a responsibility of a safety professional in implementing a risk assessment system?

Making changes in organizational policies

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Which organization is now the secretariat for ANSI/ASSP Z10.0 - 2019?

ASSP

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What is one key reason why culture changes related to risk assessments may fail?

Ignoring the current organizational power structure

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What is a safety professional's role as a change agent when introducing a risk assessment system?

To serve as a catalyst for organizational change

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Which of the following actions is crucial for a successful culture change when installing a risk assessment system?

Obtain leadership commitment at high levels

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How long should a change in a risk assessment system be in place before it is considered a culture change success?

At least 1 year

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What is the main purpose of a risk-based strategy in safety management?

Identify potential hazards and implement controls

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