Behaviour Assessment for Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment

K

kewin

Hi,
i have recently undergone lead auditors training in OHSAS 18001. We had a survelliance audit in which the auditor pointed out that we have not done any behavioural assessment as per clause 4.3.1c.
We are having difficulty in identifying these point in HIRA document. Can any one pls help in giving us any example or method on how to go about doing this assessment.
 

somashekar

Leader
Admin
Hi,
i have recently undergone lead auditors training in OHSAS 18001. We had a survelliance audit in which the auditor pointed out that we have not done any behavioural assessment as per clause 4.3.1c.
We are having difficulty in identifying these point in HIRA document. Can any one pls help in giving us any example or method on how to go about doing this assessment.
Hii Kewin, Welcome here and a nice first post.
I will tell you what we have put forth for this in our HIRA document from the behavioural point of view.
1. We have treated water for landscaping and several tap points are provided for the use. We know here that the landscaping people mostly illitarate do a hard work and consume water mostly directly from tap. This is the natural behaviour. We have provided bold local language warning as well as symbol to say that the water at such taps are not for drinking and seperate drinking water points are provided again with bold local language boards.
2. The roof top support wall is at a sitting level and it is 9" wide. Natural behaviour is to sit on the wall and feel the nice cool breeze There is a danger of fall from height. This place is hence closed and no one is permitted to go up in break time. The door leading to the open terrace is permitted only to maintenance and security staff and all employees are informed about this prohibited area and the door is so marked as well.
3. The part of the office floor and the steps are made of marble and could be slippery at times. Normal tendency for many here is to go up or down the stairs fast. To avoid any fall due to slip we have provided grip strips in the steps landing area and the aisle.

These may give you some eye openers to the various situations around your area to assess what natural behaviour can lead to an accident and how you have considered them in the HIRA document.
Do come back if you have any clarifications and you can expect more responses as well.
 
S

samsung

Injuries mainly result either from an unsafe act (governed by human behaviour - temperament, habit and attitude) or an unsafe condition (design problem / physical cause).

If hazards are prevented by putting up engineering controls then the system doesn't have to rely on human behaviour which becomes prominent only when the existing control measures are either administrative controls (e.g., training, safety procedures, safety signs, supervision) or personal protective equipment (e.g.; safety gloves, safety glasses, helmet) which rely heavily on human behaviour in doing the right thing and any deviation in behaviour (e.g., employees not following the safety procedures because some person or situation is distracting them) could cause injury and/or illness.

Hence while determining risk control measures, OHSAS suggests to take into account "human behaviour and typical basic types of human failure (e.g. simple failure of a frequently repeated action, lapses of memory or attention, lack of understanding or error of judgement, and breach of rules or procedures) and ways of preventing them" since such behavioural factors may increase the level of risk these people are exposed to. So the assessment should identify people with abnormal behaviour and controls should be devised taking into consideration their specific needs.
 

Randy

Super Moderator
Injuries mainly result either from an unsafe act (governed by human behaviour - temperament, habit and attitude) or an unsafe condition (design problem / physical cause).
Be aware that in the workplace 99.9999999% of unsafe conditions are created by an unsafe act.
 

Henria

OSH Officer
Hi !

Please does somebody tell me what is exactly a "H.I.R.A" document ?

NB : Sure, "in the workplace 99.9999999% of unsafe conditions are created by an unsafe act" (this simply means that occupational risks are created by the work, that still does not get us much). The question is who does this act ? But too often we consider the acts of workers only, instead of considering also the acts of all other staff (hierarchical and functional) that also determine the actions of considered workers....

Bye.
 
S

samsung

Be aware that in the workplace 99.9999999% of unsafe conditions are created by an unsafe act.

:agree1: 100% agree. It's the human (management as well as employees) who is after all responsible for the unsafe conditions to develop in the premises - employees through ignorance of rules & procedures and the management through lack of enforcement and provision of resources.

Not providing adequate resources (Education, Engineering) & failure to enforce the rules/policies/procedures is a major UNSAFE ACT.

Thanks.
 
S

samsung

Hi !

Please does somebody tell me what is exactly a "H.I.R.A" document ?

Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment.

The question is who does this act ? But too often we consider the acts of workers only, instead of considering also the acts of all other staff (hierarchical and functional) that also determine the actions of considered workers....

In majority of cases, the management (not the workmen) is responsible not only for the unsafe conditions that prevails around but also for allowing the workers to commit 'unsafe acts' simply for the reasons mentioned above. Whosoever is held responsible but the accountability for ensuring absence of Hazards/ unsafe conditions that give rise to injuries & ill health rests with management only.
 
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Henria

OSH Officer
Thanks Samsung !

I'am a french guy, I don't use english logos... (but see that HIRA = EvRP !).

I agree with you "in the workplace 99.9999999% of unsafe conditions are created by an unsafe managment" !

Bye.
 

Stijloor

Leader
Super Moderator
Thanks Samsung !

I'am a french guy, I don't use English logos... (but see that HIRA = EvRP !).

I agree with you "in the workplace 99.9999999% of unsafe conditions are created by an unsafe management" !

Bye.

I believe you misquoted Samsung.

This is what he said:

It's the human (management as well as employees) who is after all responsible for the unsafe conditions to develop in the premises - employees through ignorance of rules & procedures and the management through lack of enforcement and provision of resources.

Not providing adequate resources (Education, Engineering) & failure to enforce the rules/policies/procedures is a major UNSAFE ACT.

Emphasis mine....;)

Stijloor.
 
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