Risk Assessment, Method Statements, and Safety Statements

Legal Obligations of Employers

• Under the law, employers have several responsibilities:

  • Identify hazards.

  • Carry out a risk assessment.

  • Prepare a written safety statement.

Purpose of Risk Assessment

• The practical purpose is to manage employee safety and health effectively.

  • Helps find a balance between the safety issues and the actions needed to address them.

• Definition of a Hazard: Anything with the potential to cause harm (e.g., chemical substances, machinery, methods of work).

Analyzing Risk

• When measuring risk, the following factors must be analyzed:

  • Likelihood of Harm Occurring: Probability that an incident will happen in the workplace.

  • Potential Severity of Harm: Degree of injury or ill health resulting from an accident.

  • Exposure Count: Number of individuals who may encounter the hazard.

• Employers should only focus on hazards generated from work activities.

  • Example 1: Lifting 1kg of material is not considered a hazard.

  • Example 2: Lifting a 25kg box of 1kg packages off the floor is a recognized hazard.

Example of Risk Assessment

• Template for Risk Assessment includes:

  • Title

  • Company name

  • Assessment carried out by

  • Date of assessment

  • Date of next review

  • Activity or area

  • Identification of who might be harmed and the potential harm.

Understanding Construction Risk Assessment

• It is essential to be knowledgeable about risk assessments in construction environments.

  • Refer to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) for guidelines.

Example Risk Assessment for Bricklaying Company

• Employment Context: A manager of a bricklaying company conducts a general risk assessment in collaboration with worker representatives.

• Process Steps:

  1. Identifying hazards:

  • Researching construction websites and safety publications.

  • Reviewing manufacturers' instructions for tools/machinery.

  • Observing worksites and consulting employees.

  1. Documenting who can be harmed and how.

  2. Recording controls in place and comparing against safety standards.

  • Noting necessary further actions if existing controls are inadequate.

  1. Implementing findings, assigning responsibility for actions, and tracking completion.

Method Statements

• Definition: A method statement is a written explanation of a safe system for hazardous work, included in the health and safety plan.

• Characteristics of Method Statements:

  • Short and concise.

  • Typically contains:

  • Scope of works

  • Task description

  • Resources required

  • Risks and control measures

  • Emergency information

  • Training requirements

  • Required permits

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Duration of work

  • Personnel names present on site.

Contents of a Method Statement

• Should include the following:

  • Name and address of the contractor responsible for the work.

  • Title, date, and revision number of the method statement.

  • Description of tasks, location, sequence, and method for completing the works.

  • Start and end dates, resources, personnel details, and supervisory responsibilities.

  • Equipment details, plant requirements, and any special considerations.

Risk Assessment Considerations

• Important topics included in risk assessments:

  • Access and egress, place of work

  • Aspects of working at height, noise, vibration, and manual handling.

  • Considerations for the public and environmental issues (e.g., wildlife, watercourses).

  • Control measures and necessary permits like Permit to Dig, Hot Works, or Confined Space.

  • Emergency procedures, first aid arrangements, and PPE requirements.

Planning and Monitoring

• Key elements to monitor and plan for include:

  • Temporary site amendments, traffic, and pedestrian routing.

  • Fire escape routes and the arrangement of services.

  • Regular review and update of the risk assessment and method statements.

  • Compliance monitoring and checking, ensuring appropriate oversight.

Safety Statements

• Definition: A safety statement encompasses guidelines as per the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, guiding employers on providing safety and health assurances for employees and public visitors.

• Content Requirements:

  • Clear commitment to health and safety measures.

  • Identification of hazards and management procedures.

  • Assignment of responsibilities to ensure safety commitments.

  • Inclusivity of employee duties and cooperation requirements.

Example Policy Declaration

• An example declaration from a managing director informing employees of safety measures in place:

  • Commitment to comply with applicable legislation.

  • Shared responsibilities within the organization to uphold health and safety.

  • Encouragement to consult safety representatives and report hazards.