In essence, a risk register is a tool that helps you to record the risk management process. It allows you to demonstrate how decisions about controlling risks were made, assists in targeting training requirements and guides the creation of new safe work procedures. It’s an essential aspect of your safety management process, systematically identifying, assessing and controlling risks.
What does a risk register look like?
A risk register is made up of a collection of information. It can be kept in either digital format, stored on a platform (such as our AgriShield and BusiShield apps), in a shared drive or in a hard copy accessible in the workplace. Your risk register should include the following sections:
- Hazard Identification
The first stage is to list each of the hazards that have been identified in the workplace. Hazards are anything that has the potential to cause harm. From machinery operating without guards or around pedestrians. To store energy and or electricity, exposure to animals or chemicals.
- Risk Analysis
The second stage is to identify what risks are attributed to each hazard. Risk is defined as the combination of the likelihood and the consequence. The potential consequences caused by the interaction with the hazard ie. Burn, slip, fall, broken bone. The likelihood is potential that exposure to the hazard will result in harm occurring.
- Risk Evaluation
The risk evaluation section will analyse the likelihood and consequence of each risk identified. Using a risk matrix tool, we then determine the level of risk the hazard exposes us to. It is at this stage we decide whether the risk is acceptable or unacceptable. For acceptable risks, work can continue with the use of existing controls. For all unacceptable risks, we must identify additional controls.
- Risk Treatment
The risk treatment section is where new controls can be identified. What actions are to be taken or proposed, to control the hazards identified in section one? It may include an action plan including tasks such as implementing WHS processes and procedures, providing training or installation and servicing of safety equipment.
- Monitoring and Review
Risk registers will need to be maintained. As work processes and equipment change, so the risk assessment will need to be kept up to date with these changes. The effectiveness of controls may change over time and new/better ways to treat a hazard may come into practice. Your register may also include details of who will action the required tasks or you may choose to use a separate action plan to manage implementation. The status of each action should be listed, (open, closed, under review), and the date on which the risk register was last reviewed or updated.
The benefits of having a risk register
First and foremost, your risk register will aid you in identifying hazards before they become an issue or cause an injury. This allows you to plan and implement preventative measures that will ultimately reduce the likelihood of any workplace incidents or injuries occurring.
Secondly, your risk register is a vital asset in demonstrating compliance with WHS legislation. Your risk register may be reviewed by WorkSafe to determine if you have met your duty of care requirement to identify hazards and control risks.
Finally, your risk register helps you to plan and implement additional work health and safety measures in the most efficient way and with the most effective use of your resources. Prioritising hazards based on the likelihood of the occurrence and the impact of the consequence means you can allocate resources to the high-priority tasks first, streamlining the implementation process. Changes made may also improve productivity and reduce costs, particularly in resolving incidents.
How to set up a risk register
Presenting your risk register in a spreadsheet is often the easiest way to manage things so that key information can be found and applied quickly and easily. We strongly recommend digitalising your risk register so that it can be accessed anywhere, at any time.
Our AgriShield and BusiShield Apps help business owners maximise profitability and improve their KPIs through the digitalisation of HR and WHS documents. One of the features of our app is the dedicated feature to create and store your WHS risk registers online including your action register, chemical register and incident registers.
Contact ProcessWorx for assistance
If you’d like more information about how to set up a risk register for your business, simply contact one of our friendly Advisors on (08) 9316 9896 or enquiries@processworx.com.au.
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