Comprehensive risk assessment in the company - more than just a legal obligation
The safety and health of employees are key aspects of operational responsibility. Risk assessment is an essential tool for ensuring this safety. According to § 4 of the Employee Protection Act (ASchG), every employer is obliged to systematically identify and evaluate risks in order to take appropriate protective measures.
Why is a risk assessment essential?
The aim of carrying out a risk assessment is to prevent accidents at work, minimize long-term health risks and promote the well-being of employees. It also improves productivity and contributes to compliance with legal requirements.
The risk assessment process:
- Identification of hazards:
- Recording all potential sources of danger in the company. This includes physical, chemical and ergonomic hazards as well as psychological stress.
- Methods: Workplace inspections, checklists, interviews with employees.
- Assessment of risks:
- Estimation of the probability of occurrence and severity of potential hazards.
- Methods of risk analysis:
- Qualitative analysis: Assessment based on expert opinions.
- Quantitative analysis: Number-based evaluation with risk models.
- What-if analysis: Scenario analysis to identify potential risks.
- FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis): Evaluation of the effects of potential errors with the risk priority number.
- HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study): Detailed analysis of deviations in technical processes.
- Planning and implementation of protective measures:
- Measures such as training, provision of protective equipment and organizational adjustments are defined and implemented.
- Example: Installation of protective devices or ergonomic adjustments.
- Documentation:
- All results and measures are documented to ensure transparency and to be able to provide evidence during inspections.
- Continuous review and adjustment:
- Regular evaluation of the risk assessment, especially after accidents or operational changes.
The methods of risk analysis in detail:
- Qualitative risk analysis: Uses expert knowledge to assess potential sources of risk on a scale (e.g. low to high).
- Quantitative risk analysis: Based on data and statistical models for the precise calculation of probabilities of occurrence and effects.
- What-if analysis: Scenario-based method that asks hypothetical "what if" questions to identify risks.
- FMEA: Systematic evaluation of potential errors and their effects, prioritized by a risk priority number.
- HAZOP: In-depth analysis of technical processes to identify deviations and potential risks.
Risk assessment is a must in order to create a safe working environment. Companies that take their responsibility seriously not only improve the safety of their employees, but also increase their attractiveness as an employer.
Our experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have about implementing the risk assessment and provide support with the risk analysis.
