Posted By Wilf Archer
Hi Brian
It is vital to any Dynamic Risk Assessment Process that the individuals are COMPETENT in their duties and also that the company policies and procedures are suitable and sufficient in the management of FORESEEABLE Risks.
The success of a dynamic risk assessment process lies with the safe person approach. Implementation is significantly improved if those charged with the management of a Dynamic Risk Assessment programme are thoroughly trained in the psychology of learning and motivation.
The ‘Safe Person’ Concept
Many industries are inherently dangerous places. People go there to earn a living and should be able to expect a safe place of work and to operate under safe condition whilst at work. Unfortunately it is not always possible to eliminate all the risks from the working environment. In other words after you are certain there is nothing left to do with regards implementing systems and procedural controls. Then and only then (in addition) is to direct your efforts into making the person (employee, visitors, members of the public, etc) safe.
This approach is called the ‘safe person concept’. It must be clearly understood, that all leaders of what ever level, have the authority, as well as the duty, to take immediate action in the interest of safety. This is a fundamental part of the safe person concept.
The safety of an individual or group is reliant to a large degree on the self discipline, knowledge skills and experience of themselves and each other person within the vicinity.
The safe person concept therefore relies on a number of personal attributes together with the right support from working colleagues or supervisors allowing for flexibility of response in order to react to unforeseen or changing circumstances. In the end decisions will be made based on underpinning knowledge, skills and experience applied in precise circumstances faced at the time.
The Dynamic Management Process
Dynamic management process is the continuous assessment and control of risks in a rapidly changing environment. Each employee carries a degree of personal responsibility for their own and others well being. However, the overall responsibility for this lies within the managerial structure. Those with supervisory responsibilities must ensure that safe practices are followed and that, so far as is reasonably practicable, risks are eliminated or reduced to the minimum. It should not be forgotten that supervisors are also responsible, for their own safety.
Pre-Planning..
Is vital to ensure that the ‘safe person’ is in the best possible position to tackle incidents and to assist with and undertake dynamic assessments. Leadership styles, group control, position of maximum usefulness etc, would form part of this pre-planning requirement as would work allocation, group size, ability, workplace equipment etc… the list is almost endless. It is also important at this stage of pre-planning to consider the resources available. Have the necessary emergency routines been implemented and practiced, are the workforce trained to recognise possible unsafe conditions and behaviours, etc. (the value of realistic training here cannot be understated)
The dynamic assessment is the final link in a risk assessment process, it takes place within circumstances that are unforeseeable and / or are changing constantly (i.e. weather conditions, power cuts, etc). It is this final assessment which we rely upon to allow us to carry on our activities safely and to make carefully considered judgements. The dynamic approach is a continuous thought process.
However I cannot emphasise strongly enough that Specific Risk Assessments and SSOWs are already part of the culture and they are Suitable and Sufficirnt for all Foreseeable Risks (no matter how remote).
Hope this helps
Wilf
www.mindskills.co.uk