Workplace Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Flashcards

What is the five-step risk assessment process recommended by NEBOSH?

Answer: Identify hazards, identify who might be harmed, evaluate risks and decide on precautions, record findings, and review and update regularly

The five steps are: 1) Identify hazards, 2) Decide who might be harmed and how, 3) Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions, 4) Record significant findings, 5) Review and update the assessment regularly.

What is the difference between a hazard and a risk in NEBOSH terminology?

Answer: A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm; risk is the likelihood and severity of that harm actually occurring

A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm (chemicals, electricity, working at height). Risk is the likelihood that the harm will occur combined with the severity of that harm.

What heat-related hazards are particularly relevant to Gulf region workplaces?

Answer: Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and reduced cognitive function from working in temperatures exceeding 45°C common in UAE summer months

Gulf region temperatures regularly exceed 45°C, creating hazards including heat stroke (life-threatening), heat exhaustion, severe dehydration, reduced mental alertness leading to errors, and thermal burns from hot surfaces.

What is a risk matrix and how is it used in risk assessment?

Answer: A grid that plots the likelihood of harm against its severity to determine the risk level (low, medium, high) and prioritize control measures

A risk matrix is a semi-quantitative tool that combines the likelihood of occurrence (unlikely to very likely) with severity of harm (minor to catastrophic) to categorize risks and prioritize which require immediate action.

Who should be involved in conducting workplace risk assessments?

Answer: Competent persons with relevant knowledge, involving workers who understand the actual tasks, and reviewed by management

Risk assessments should be conducted by competent persons with knowledge of the work being assessed, actively involving workers who perform the tasks (they understand the real hazards), and reviewed by management for resource decisions.

What types of workplace hazards must be considered in a NEBOSH risk assessment?

Answer: Physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial, and environmental hazards applicable to the specific workplace

A comprehensive risk assessment considers all hazard categories: physical (noise, vibration, falls), chemical (substances), biological (pathogens), ergonomic (manual handling), psychosocial (stress), and environmental (heat, weather).