A must for every workplace: a risk analysis

A first step towards a safe workplace

Risk analysis

A risk analysis is a vague term, but nevertheless essential for your workplace. Such an analysis is the first step towards a safe workplace. Usually, it is the prevention advisor who takes care of this task, but in a smaller company it can also be the manager. A risk analysis (also called a RI&E) can be drawn up in various ways. The what if method, the fishbone method and the Kinney method are a few examples.

In any event, it is highly recommended to involve the people on the work floor directly in the risk analysis. They have a clear idea of the risks that may need to be addressed.

Improve safety within the workplace with a risk analysis.

A risk analysis comprises two parts: the analysis and the assessment. A workplace risk assessment identifies the hazards for workers when carrying out their work and the risks to their wellbeing. The risks are then assessed, with a focus on preventive measures. A risk analysis has one purpose: improving safety within the workplace.

The Unité Hygiène et Physiologie du Travail of the Catholic University of Leuven has developed the SOBANE strategy, which is supported by the European Union. This is a participatory strategy for the prevention and management of risks in the workplace. The aim is to assess risks more efficiently. the SOBANE strategy comprises four levels: Screening (detection), OBservation, ANalysis and Expertise, which we will briefly discuss.

Screening/ Detection

The first stage involves identifying the most important problems and then resolving the most obvious shortcomings, such as a pit in the ground. The more difficult problems to solve are also identified. This stage is often carried out by employees, the technical services management, employers or an internal prevention advisor.

Observation

Some problems will need more time to be worked out in depth. This is dealt with during the Observation level. This stage is not very different from the previous one, but it focuses on a specific problem such as noise, hazardous chemicals, fire hazards or relationship problems, workload or stress. Here as well, it is important to think about which risks need to be tackled as a priority.

Analysis

When a risk has not been resolved after these two levels, an analysis of the aspects of the risk should be carried out. The internal prevention advisers are then assisted in this by external prevention advisers who have the requisite expertise and resources. This often includes possible measurements in order to identify causes or optimise solutions, among other things.

Expertise

The last level involves calling in experts to investigate and resolve any extremely complex situations. This may entail special measurements being taken. Once you have a risk analysis on hand, you can start drawing up a traffic safety plan for your warehouse.

What follows a risk analysis?

The aim of a risk analysis is to take preventive measures to improve safety within the workplace. This often requires making a lot of changes inside the warehouse, around the premises or outside. You can come to us for all kinds of safety solutions. For one thing, far too many forklift accidents are still happening. We offer the right protection to guarantee the safety of your employees and your infrastructure.

Incidents of slipping and sliding are also common due to slippery floors. Fortunately, we have the best solutions for slippery stairs or floors. Or do you also want to make sure that your employees are protected against sharp corners? We have everything in house to do this: from column and corner protection to protective bumpers.

Would you like more information about our products? Then get in touch with us. We're more than happy to give you some advice and help.