Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment & Control Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a risk matrix in healthcare safety?

Answer: To evaluate and prioritize risks based on probability and severity

A risk matrix combines the probability of an event with its potential severity to produce a risk score that helps prioritize mitigation efforts.

What is the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) used for in healthcare settings?

Answer: Proactively identifying potential failures in a process before they happen

FMEA is a proactive risk assessment tool that systematically examines processes to identify potential failure modes and their effects before adverse events occur.

Which reporting system encourages healthcare workers to report safety concerns without fear of punishment?

Answer: Non-punitive or just culture reporting system

A non-punitive or just culture reporting system encourages open reporting by assuring reporters they will not be punished for good-faith reports.

What is the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA) following a sentinel event?

Answer: To identify the underlying system factors that contributed to the event

Root cause analysis aims to identify underlying system and process factors that contributed to an adverse event, enabling corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

In hazard identification, what is the difference between a hazard and a risk?

Answer: A hazard is a source of potential harm while risk is the likelihood and severity of harm from that hazard

A hazard is anything with potential to cause harm, while risk combines the probability of exposure with the severity of resulting harm.

What is the recommended first step when conducting a workplace safety inspection?

Answer: Review previous inspection reports, incident data, and known hazards before starting the walkthrough

Reviewing previous findings, incident reports, and known hazards before the walkthrough ensures a focused and comprehensive inspection.