Emphasizing the importance of assessing critical risks in workplaces, especially in high-risk industries such as construction, metals, chemicals, power, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and automotive. In this article, Suresh Tanwar, Head of Audit and Consultancy – India at the British Safety Council, highlights the significant number of work-related fatalities and accidents globally and in India, underscoring the necessity for regular critical risk assessments and proactive safety measures. The article outlines the process of conducting critical risk safety audits, the benefits of these audits, and the importance of choosing the right partner for conducting them.
A recent International Labour Organization (ILO) study revealed that almost three million workers worldwide die each year due to work-related accidents and illnesses, a 5% increase since 2015. In India, a 2021 Labour Ministry report indicated that at least 6,500 workers lost their lives in factories, ports, mines, and construction sites over the past five years. These statistics highlight the critical issue of employee health and safety, especially in high-risk industries like construction, metals, chemicals, power, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and automotive.
Critical safety risks, which threaten business operations and can cause fatalities or permanent disabilities, are common in these sectors. These risks often result from process failures, leading to incidents like fires and falls. Companies typically respond to such incidents by funding investigations and corrective measures. However, many industrial accidents can be prevented through proactive measures, benefiting both human lives and business profitability.
Importance of Regular Critical Risk Assessments
Regular critical risk assessments are crucial for preventing workplace accidents. These audits identify and evaluate situations posing significant risks of injury or harm. They examine high-risk tasks such as working at heights, confined space entry, lifting operations, electrical and fire safety, ground excavation, and contractor safety. The audit also evaluates the organization’s leadership commitment, accountability, risk management, and permit-to-work procedures. This process involves employee engagement, on-site inspections, and thorough documentation review.
Conducting a Critical Risks Safety Audit
A critical risks safety audit involves a detailed examination of all safety controls related to hazardous activities. It assesses the effectiveness of existing safety measures to prevent severe injuries, using a tailored approach to evaluate an organization’s safety performance in high-risk activities and benchmarking it against global best practices. The audit findings are compiled into a customized report addressing the organization’s specific needs, providing insights into its current standing regarding high-risk activities, and identifying areas for improvement. Subsequent consultancy services offer recommendations, knowledge sharing, and training to enhance safety measures.
Step-by-Step Critical Risks Safety Audit Process
The audit process requires active engagement from every employee within the organization and involves four phases:
1. Leadership Commitment and Planning: Top management defines safety objectives, allocates resources, and establishes a safety culture prioritizing risk management.
2. Implementation and Operation: Safety measures are put into action, including training employees and ensuring necessary equipment and resources are in place. Regular communication and involvement of all staff members are crucial.
3. Performance Monitoring and Measurement: Safety performance is monitored to gauge the effectiveness of measures. This involves regular inspections, incident reporting, and data collection to identify trends and areas needing improvement.
4. Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Continuous improvement initiatives ensure the organization evolves and enhances its safety protocols. This phase involves reviewing audit findings, soliciting employee feedback, and updating safety procedures.
Benefits of the Critical Risks Safety Audit
Adhering to occupational safety regulations is crucial for organizations engaged in high-risk activities. Noncompliance jeopardizes individual safety and exposes businesses to potential injuries, risks, and legal liabilities.
The benefits of a critical risks safety audit include:
1. Enhancing Employee Hazard Reduction Skills: Hands-on learning and training during the audit process help employees develop practical skills for identifying and mitigating hazards.
2.Establishing a Platform for Safety Hazard Identification: The audit provides a structured approach to identifying safety hazards, analyzing root causes, and implementing corrective actions.
3. Boosting Employee Awareness and Encouraging Positive Safety Behaviours: Regular audits and training sessions increase awareness and foster a culture of safety among employees.
4. Supporting Safety Performance Benchmarks: By adhering to safety performance benchmarks, organizations can reduce costs related to injuries and improve overall safety records.
5. Improving Factory Safety Records: A systematic approach to safety audits can lead to a reduction in accidents, injuries, near misses, and physical hazards.
6. Enabling Thorough Root Cause Analysis: Audits facilitate a comprehensive analysis of incidents, allowing organizations to implement corrective measures to eliminate hazards.
7. Providing On-the-Job Training: Safety audits offer opportunities for team leaders and shop-floor employees to receive practical training in hazard identification and mitigation.
8. Raising Awareness about Factory Safety Hazards: Regular audits and training sessions help raise awareness about potential hazards and promote a proactive approach to safety.
9. Establishing Department-Specific Safety Audit Teams: Involving employees in the audit process helps establish dedicated safety audit teams within each department.
10. Developing Detailed Checklists Aligned with Industry Standards: Creating detailed checklists ensures that all potential hazards are identified and addressed according to industry best practices.
11. Facilitating Pre-Audit Meetings: Pre-audit meetings help review checklists, address queries, and plan audit routes under management guidance.
12. Documenting Safety Hazards and Outlining Corrective Actions: Comprehensive documentation of hazards and corrective actions ensures that safety issues are systematically addressed.
13. Conducting Post-Audit Discussions: Post-audit discussions review hazard findings and corrective measures, ensuring that all issues are adequately addressed.
14. Organizing Post-Audit Meetings: Regular follow-up meetings track progress on corrective actions, address inquiries, and maintain a focus on safety improvements.
Key Takeaways
High-risk industrial operations must prioritize critical risk safety audits. Continuous review and enhancement of safety and health management systems are imperative for improving safety performance across all departments. Commitment to constant improvement involves evolving policies, systems, and risk control techniques. The audit process allows management to gain insights into high-risk areas and potential hazards, prioritizing these areas for a focused approach to safety management. Ultimately, critical risk safety audits help create a positive, confident, and secure work environment for all stakeholders.
Choosing the Right Partner for Critical Risk Safety Audits
Selecting the appropriate partner organization to conduct a comprehensive and meticulous critical risks safety audit is essential. The right partner will have experienced auditors trained in internal quality assurance and meet professional body standards. Their audit reports should undergo technical verification and quality endorsement before being issued to clients. Partnering with globally recognized audit and consultancy services firms ensures robust organizational health and safety systems.
Conclusion
Assessing critical risks in workplaces is essential, not optional. Regular safety audits, proactive measures, and a commitment to continuous improvement can significantly reduce workplace accidents and enhance overall safety, ensuring a secure environment for all employees. Investing in safety audits and preventive measures not only protects employees but also enhances business profitability and sustainability by mitigating risks and avoiding costly incidents.
About The Author : Mr Suresh Tanwar is with BSC (British Safety Council) as Head of Audit & Consultancy (India). He is responsible for smooth deliveries at the clients’ end on health and safety audits, trainings, and consultancies through BSC Associates ensuring quality assurance of the deliveries. He plays an active role in creating new products and services interfacing with BSC UK Technical team.
Prior to joining British Safety Council, he was Chief – Group Safety & Health with Tata Group. He is a Mechanical Engineer and a qualified Safety professional and has had career stints in both – large Indian conglomerates and leading multinational corporations which include heading Health & Safety in Tata Motors, Tata Chemicals, Johnson & Johnson, Castrol – British Petroleum & Essar Steel.