Workplace injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). You may need to ensure that proper reporting is taking place and that incidents are documented and investigated. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
CONDUCTING RISK ASSESMENTS
1. Identifying Hazards
You should become as skilled as possible at identifying potential hazards in the workplace. This may involve regular inspections and employee consultations to uncover unsafe conditions or practices. You should familiarise yourself with the Brown Book and use your rights under the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations, 1977, if, for instance, employers resist inspections of the workplace or of documents.
2. Evaluating Risks
Once hazards are identified, the next step for employers is to evaluate the associated risks, including assessing the likelihood of an incident occurring and the potential severity of its impact. Awareness of relevant risk assessments in the workplace is key and you should be prepared to challenge employers who have failed to assess risks adequately.
3. Implementing Controls
Employers must implement effective control measures to mitigate any identified risks that can't be fully eliminated. These measures can include training on safer work practices and providing safer work equipment. Personal protective equipment may also be required if workers are still exposed to physical risks despite those measures.
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