OSH - Safety and Health Of people with disabilities In workplaces - page 20

Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene
20
Environmental risk survey for places employing disabled people
What is a risk survey?
A risk survey is a thorough examination in the workplace, which is meant to identify hazards
that may harm the employees and to assess the level of the risk, including the risk of injury
and damage expected for the employees’ health. The risk survey is an important step that
helps the employer to take necessary measures for lessening the risks in the workplace
and contributes to the compliance with the requirements of the safety and health laws,
and especially the requirements of the occupational safety and health act and the labor
inspection organization law.
The risk survey is conducted while visiting the workplace, observing the work environment
and the performed tasks and interviewing employees who are acquainted with the activity.
It is also advisable to use the assisting forms for the survey implementation, like the form
of “environmental risk survey” (see attachment B of this booklet). Further information
regarding the risk surveys and the identification of hazards can be found in the website of
the Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene:www.osh.org.il.
A risk survey requires identification and evaluation of hazards that may harm the employees,
in order to make a decision on implementing safety measures for the prevention of accidents
and health damage. The survey consists of several steps:
1. Evaluation – Who may be injured and how;
2. Risk assessment – Is there any concern of harm and what would the expected damage be;
3. Decision on safety measures that will minimize the risk, or – if possible - completely
remove the hazard.
4. Documentation of the survey and follow up on the practical recommendations’
implementation.
5. Re-examination of the workplace in order to make sure that the risks are reduced to an
acceptable level.
The regular risk survey in the workplace refers to different hazards:
• Electricity risks;
• Noise risks;
• Chemical risks (hazardous materials);
• Falls, trips or slips risks with emphasis on the risks of falling from a height;
• Collision or trapping risks;
• Ionizing, radioactive or laser radiation risks, etc.;
• Risks of pressure machines and tools above 1 atmosphere unit;