Workplace Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Flashcards

What is a dynamic risk assessment and when is it used?

Answer: A continuous, on-the-spot assessment of changing risks in real-time, used when circumstances change during work activities

A dynamic risk assessment is a continuous, real-time process where workers assess and reassess risks as conditions change during their work, supplementing formal written risk assessments for unpredictable situations.

What specific construction hazards are prevalent in Gulf region workplaces?

Answer: Working at height, crane operations, excavation collapse, hot weather exposure, confined spaces, and lifting operations in high-rise construction

Gulf construction faces heightened hazards: falls from height (high-rise projects), crane and lifting operations, excavation in sandy soil, extreme heat exposure, confined space risks, and the rapid pace of large-scale construction.

What is a COSHH assessment and when is it required?

Answer: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health — an assessment required whenever workers may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, dusts, or biological agents

COSHH assessment evaluates the risks from exposure to hazardous substances (chemicals, dusts, fumes, biological agents), determines control measures needed, and is required whenever workers may be exposed to such substances.

How should risk assessments address vulnerable workers such as migrant workers in the Gulf?

Answer: Consider language barriers, unfamiliarity with local hazards, cultural factors, accommodation conditions, and ensure training is provided in workers' native languages

Risk assessments for Gulf workplaces must consider migrant worker vulnerabilities: language barriers (training in native language), unfamiliarity with extreme heat hazards, cultural communication differences, and living conditions.

What is the ALARP principle and how does it apply to risk management?

Answer: As Low As Reasonably Practicable — risks should be reduced until further reduction would be grossly disproportionate to the benefit gained

ALARP means reducing risk to a level that is 'As Low As Reasonably Practicable' — where the cost and effort of further risk reduction would be grossly disproportionate to the additional safety benefit gained.

When should a risk assessment be reviewed and updated?

Answer: After incidents, when work processes change, when new hazards are identified, when new workers join, or at regular planned intervals

Risk assessments should be reviewed: after incidents or near-misses, when work methods or equipment change, when new hazards emerge, when new or vulnerable workers start, after regulatory changes, or at planned regular intervals.