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Graham  
#1 Posted : 18 October 2016 10:56:25(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Graham

I doubt it really matters but I use severity instead of hazard because it makes more sense to me when describing outcomes like:

Minor cut/bruise

First aid treatment

Hospital visit

Amputation

Life changing injury or death.

Do any others have thoughts?  I'm just thinking out loud, probably overthinking it all anyway.

Graham

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RayRapp  
#2 Posted : 18 October 2016 11:57:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp
Graham I think you have got a bit confused, hazard and severity are two different issues. A RA should identify the task, hazard(s) arising from the task e.g. electricity, working at height, etc. Then whether the hazard is realised and the potential injury in terms of severity i.e. bruise, laceration, minor, major, fatality...
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WatsonD  
#3 Posted : 18 October 2016 12:52:23(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
WatsonD

Graham I agree with Ray - hazard and severity are not interchangable as they relate to different factors. To my mind it is finding a numerical value to each of the following:

Hazard - Loose floorboard

Risk - Tripping over floorboard

Likelihood - Based on where it is located and how often people/ how many people encounter this hazard

Severity - The most likely outcome (not necessarily the worst - otherwise everything would mean death)

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andybz  
#4 Posted : 18 October 2016 12:59:53(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
andybz

I agree with both responses, except "Tripping over floorboard" is definitely not (in my opinion) the "Risk."  It is an event or scenario. 

Risk is an evaluation of how important this event is, based on severity and likelihood.  We need to be very clear on definitions.

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jwk  
#5 Posted : 18 October 2016 13:15:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
jwk

Agree with all responses so far. One of the most helpful phrases I've come across when attempting to descrbe risk is 'There is a risk of x caused by y leading to z'. It's helped me a lot,

John

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Graham  
#6 Posted : 18 October 2016 13:22:04(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Graham

Thanks guys, clarity hoves into view.

Graham

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brianw88  
#7 Posted : 25 October 2016 10:33:28(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
brianw88

Thats why the HSE like you to use the simple Five Steps to Risk Assessment. If you guys cant come to an agreement how do you expect all employees to understand it.
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WatsonD  
#8 Posted : 25 October 2016 10:54:16(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
WatsonD
Originally Posted by: andybz Go to Quoted Post

I agree with both responses, except "Tripping over floorboard" is definitely not (in my opinion) the "Risk."  It is an event or scenario. 

Risk is an evaluation of how important this event is, based on severity and likelihood.  We need to be very clear on definitions.

Thanks Andy. I take your point, it gives me food for thought.

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