BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

INTRODUCITON
Hazard analysis at workplaces is one of element in OHSAS 18001: 1999. Clause
4.3.1 in OHSAS 18001: 1999, Security Management and Occupational Health System
(OHSMS) condition organisation to carry out activity which is known as planning for
identification of danger, risk assessment and risk control identification. This activity
looks significant in effort to prevent accidents happen or reduce risk to hazardous activity
in organisation. This activity also seen in accordance with Malay idiom: sediakan
payung sebelum hujan namely prevention is better than cure.
Hazard analysis at workplaces is foundation practice if is predicted able to aid
organization prevent accident. With activity which operates to identify danger in this
workplace will involve employees extra vigilant. This is because they have already
known that their work area having state which if they do not be careful then accident may
befall they. With cautious attitude and give convergence fully towards work made, risk of
accident could be reduced.
By conducting hazard analysis at workplaces also then duties provide preparation
procedure emergency, safe work operational procedure, work instruction, audit check
sheet etc able done easily and orderly. This case because analysis result were made can
help to identify key elements which need fitted inside procedure, work order, audit check
sheet etc to be matched with work situation.

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

PURPOSE
The purpose of risk assessment is to provide a systematic and objective approach to
assessing hazards and their associated risks that will provide an objective measure of an
identified hazard as well as provide a method to control the risk. It is one of the general
duties as prescribed under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) for the
employer to provide a safe workplaces to their employees and other related person.

BASIC CONCEPTS
What is risk?
Risk is something that we as individuals live with on a daily basis. People are constantly
making decisions based on risk. Simple decision in daily life such as driving, crossing the
road and money investment all imply an acceptance risk. Risk is the combination of the
likelihood and severity of a specified hazardous event occurring. In mathematical term,
risk can be calculated by the equation:
Risk = Likelihood x Severity

Likelihood of an Occurrence
This value is based on the likelihood of an event occurring. You may ask the question
How many times has this event happened in the past? Assessing likelihood is based
worker experience, analysis or measurement. Likelihood levels range from most likely
to inconceivable. For example, a small spill of bleach from a container when filling a
spray bottle is most likely to occur during every shift. Alternatively, a leak of diesel fuel
from a secure holding tank may be less probable. Table A indicates likelihood using the
following values:

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Source: www.dosh.gov.my
Table A
Severity of Hazard
Severity can be divided into five categories. Severity is based upon an increasing level of
severity to an individuals health, the environment, or to property. Table B indicates
severity by using the following table:

Source: www.dosh.gov.my
Table B
RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk can be presented in variety of ways to communicate the results of analysis to make
decision on risk control. For risk analysis that uses likelihood and severity in qualitative
method, presenting result in a risk matrix is a very effective way of communicating the
distribution of the risk throughout a plant and area in a workplace. Risk can be calculated
using the following formula:

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

L x S = Relative Risk
L = Likelihood
S = Severity

An example of risk matrix (Table C) is shown below:

Source: www.dosh.gov.my
Table C

To use this matrix, first find the severity column that best describes the outcome of risk.
Then follow the likelihood row to find the description that best suits the likelihood that
the severity will occur. The risk level is given in the box where the row and column meet.
The relative risk value can be used to prioritize necessary actions to effectively manage
work place hazards. Table D determines priority based on the following ranges:

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Source: www.dosh.gov.my
Table D
Hazards assessed, as High Risk must have immediate actions, to resolve risk to life
safety and or the environment. Individuals responsible for required action, including
follow up must be clearly identified. A further detail risk assessment method may require
such as quantitative risk assessment as means of determine suitable controls measures.

PLANNING AND CONDUCTING OF HIRARC

Purpose of HIRARC
The purposes of HIRARC are as follows:
a. to identify all the factors that may cause harm to employees and others (the
hazards);
b. to consider what the chances are of that harm actually be falling anyone in the
circumstances of a particular case and the possible severity that could come from
it (the risks); and
c. to enable employers to plan, introduce and monitor preventive measures to ensure
that the risks are adequately controlled at all times.
5

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Planning of HIRARC Activities

HIRARC activities shall be plan and conducted:
a. for situation:
i.

where hazard appear to pose significant threat;

ii.

uncertain whether existing controls are adequate; or/and

iii.

before implementing corrective or preventive measures.

b. by organization intending to continuously improve OSH Management System. It

should be the duty of the employer to assign a trained personnel to lead a team of
employees associated with one particular process or activity to conduct HIRARC.
Process of HIRARC
Process of HIRARC requires 4 simple steps:
a. classify work activities;
b. identify hazard;
c. conduct risk assessment (analyze and estimate risk from each hazard), by
calculating or estimating:
i.

likelihood of occurrence, and

ii.

severity of hazard;

iii.

Decide if risk is tolerable and apply control measures (if necessary).

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION FALL

Construction is a potentially high hazard industry for those who work in it, with falls at
the top of the hazards list. In fact, falls are the most frequent cause of fatalities at
construction sites and annually account for one of every three construction-related deaths.
Although there are commonly available methods for preventing falls, the number of
construction workers who fall to their deaths has increased in recent years.
Statistics indicate that nearly 1,000 construction workers are killed each year while on the
job. Of these, one-third or over 300 deaths will result from construction site falls. Many
of the deaths or injuries that result from these falls can and should be prevented.
Common construction site falls include roof related falls, crane falls, scaffolding falls,
elevator shaft falls, falls resulting from holes in flooring, and falling objects. Proper
protection equipment and safety precautions are necessary to protect the lives of workers
and preserve the well-being of their families.

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Risk Evaluation
Activity
Work in high
place

L : Likelihood

Hazard
Unprotected
sides, wall
openings, and
floor holes

Consequences
Injuries from falls or
falling objects may
result, ranging from
sprains and
concussions to death

L
4

S
5

R
2
0

Control
Guardrail system
Safety net system
Personal fall arrest
system
Cover or guard all
unsafe opening.

S: Severity R: Relative Risk

Identify the hazards

Walk around your workplace and look at what could reasonably be expected to
cause harm safety.
Remember to think about long-term hazards to health (e.g. high levels of
noise or exposure to harmful substances) as well as safety hazards.
Decide who might be harmed and how
Some workers have particular requirements, eg new and young workers, new or
expectant mothers and people with disabilities may be at particular risk.Extra
thought will be needed for some hazards.
Members of the public, if they could be hurt by construction activities.
Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
Try a less risky option (eg switch to using a less hazardous chemical).
Prevent access to the hazard (eg by guarding.
Issue personal protective equipment (eg clothing, footwear, goggles etc).
Types of control the source of the hazard
a. Elimination - Getting rid of a hazardous job, tool, process, machine or substance
is perhaps the best way of protecting workers. For example, a salvage firm might
decide to stop buying and cutting up scrapped bulk fuel tanks due to explosion
hazard.
b. Substitution - Sometimes doing the same work in a less hazardous way is
possible.
For example, a hazardous chemical can be replaced with a less hazardous one.
Controls must protect workers from any new hazards that are created.
c. Isolation-Isolate big machines in another place.
8

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

d. Engineering control
i. Redesign
ii. Isolation
iii.
Automation
iv. Barriers
v. Absorption
vi. Dilution
e. Administrative controls
i. Safe work procedures
ii. Supervision and
iii.
Job rotations
iv. Housekeeping, repair and maintenance programs
v. Hygiene must
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing is used when other controls measures
are not feasible and where additional protection is needed. Workers must be trained to use
and maintain equipment properly. The employer and workers must understand the
limitations of the personal protective equipment. The employer is expected to require
workers to use their equipment whenever it is needed. Care must be taken to ensure that
equipment is working properly. Otherwise, PPE may endanger a workers health by
providing an illusion of protection.

Record your findings and implement them

9

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Writing down the results of the risk assessment, and sharing them with other staff,
encourages to do this.
When writing down your results, keep it simple.

Review your risk assessment and update if necessary

Few workplaces stay the same. Sooner or later, you will bring in new equipment,
substances and procedures that could lead to new hazards. It makes sense,
therefore, to review what you are doing on an ongoing basis. Every year or so
formally review where you are, to make sure you are still improving, or at least
not sliding back.

2.

Look at your risk assessment again

During the year, if there is a significant change, dont wait. Check your risk
assessment and, where necessary, amend it. If possible, it is best to think about the
risk assessment when youre planning your change that way you leave yourself
more flexibility.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION FALLING OBJECTS

10

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Constructions sites can be extremely dangerous places to work. The nature of

construction sites causes this danger if the proper safety precautions are not taken. There
is a lot of machinery around construction sites that can cause injuries and damage. On top
of this, there are things like dangerous heights that must be dealt with safely as well.
While many people think of falling as a danger associated with heights, falling
objects are not as widely considered. These, however, can cause a great deal of damage
and injury. This is why hard hats are so often used in construction sites. Hard hats provide
a certain amount of protection from falling objects. They do not, however, protect a
person from every incident.
Falling objects are so dangerous because of the speeds that they reach when they
fall combined with the mass of the falling object. The heavier an object is and the higher
the point that it falls from, the more damage it can do. This means that a one inch bolt
falling from three stories will do less damage than a wrench falling from five stories.
Either one of these objects, however, can be dangerous.
Falling objects, such as falling tools, falling buckets, falling lumber, falling steel,
falling bolts, falling equipment, and falling debris, can often result in serious head
trauma, concussion, broken bones, neck injuries, and back injuries. These injuries can
require surgery, along with months of missed work and painful rehabilitation. In the

11

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

worst cases, the injuries are permanent and the construction worker can no longer work in
his or her trade.
The most common injury in falling object claims on construction sites are head
injuries and broken bones. A traumatic brain injury, as well as a wrongful death, can
occur from something as seemingly insignificant as a bolt.
If the proper safety precautions are not taken, injuries become more and more
likely. Wearing hard hats, however, is not the only solution. There are other safety issues
that must be taken care of before construction workers can work in safety.
Before work commences, all physical locations and tasks that may present the risk
of a fall need to be identified. This includes access to the areas where tasks are to be
performed. Each task needs to be examined to determine whether there is a risk of falling
and how that risk can be eliminated or minimized.
In particular, tasks that need particular attention are those carried out:

On any structure or plant being constructed or installed, demolished or

dismantled, inspected, tested, maintained, repaired or cleaned

On a fragile surface (for example cement sheeting roofs, rusty metal roofs,

fiberglass sheeting roofs and skylights.

On a potentially unstable surface (for example areas where there is potential for
ground collapse, including poorly backfilled or compacted ground, or unstable

areas such as on top of stacks of building materials, timber pallets or bricks.

On a sloping or slippery surface where it is difficult for people to maintain their
balance (for example on glazed tiles).

12

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Assess the Risks

If a task involving a falling object hazard has been identified, the risk of a fall
should be assessed by determining:

The likelihood of a fall and risk of harm to a person occurring, and

The extent of harm or injury that a person could receive in the event of a fall.
This assessment is a useful way of determining where the greatest risk is, and

therefore which hazards need to be eliminated or controlled first. The ultimate

effectiveness of any risk assessment is dependant on the quality of the information
available. Therefore, it is important that persons carrying out risk assessments have the
necessary information, knowledge and experience of that work environment and work
process.
In carrying out a risk assessment, it is helpful to break down each activity or
process into a series of parts or smaller tasks and assess each one separately. If the risk
assessment is for construction work being undertaken at a height of 2 meters or more and
there is a risk of falling, physical fall prevention measures should be provided so far as is
practicable. A SWMS should be used to document why a particular control has been used
and a more detailed SWMS would be required if it is not reasonably practicable to use
physical fall prevention measures.
In addition to work being undertaken at a height of 2 meters or more where there
is a risk of falling, this document sets out that a SWMS must also be prepared for any
other construction work that meets the definition of high-risk construction work (e.g.
construction work involving excavation to a depth greater than 1.5 meters).
A SWMS should also be used when work is being undertaken at a height of less
than 2 meters if the risk assessment identifies a need for control measures to be used.
There are many different reasons for falling objects on a job site. They can be due
to:

13

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jobsite hazards;
Property owner negligence;
General contractor mistakes;
Subcontractor errors;
Co-worker carelessness;
Violation of OSHA regulations;
Violation of industrial code regulations;
Distraction due to commotion, long hours and tight deadlines;
Loud noise;
Bad weather;
Poor lighting; and
Poor safety training or no safety training

Risk Evaluation

Activity

Hazard

Consequences

Control

Installation

Falling
object

Risk of injury,
death, damage

20

Provide toe boards

screens, or guardrail
systems in
accordance with other
sections of these
orders to prevent
objects from falling
from higher levels

Dismantle

kick, throw,
or push
anything off
overhead
structures

Risk of injury,
death, damage

Wear approved head

and foot protection

Falling
object

Risk of injury,
damage

Clearing

Use covered
platforms or
walkways

Place a safety net or

equivalent below
overhead work.

14

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

L : Likelihood

S: Severity R: Relative Risk

Risk Controls

1. Eliminate the hazard: remove the hazard from the workplace.

2. Substitute the hazard: substitute a substance, method or material to reduce the risk
or the hazard.
3. Isolate or enclose the hazard: separate the hazard from the workplace: Barrier fencing is the most effective way to stop unauthorized workers or

bystanders from entering a dangerous area.

Place safety and warning signs in critical areas at the construction site.
Been made to secure the construction zone and create a safer environment where

workers can perform their job.

Use debris netting to wrap around the building or scaffolding.
4. Use engineering solution: modify existing machinery or plant or purchase different
machinery or plant to prevent the object falling.
5. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training in its use: Protecting feet-safety boots
Protecting eyes-safety glasses

Monitor and Review

To help avoid accidents at construction sites employers and employees need to do the
following:1. Where protection is required, select fall protection systems appropriate for given
2.
3.
4.
5.

situations.
Use proper construction and installation of safety systems.
Supervise employees properly.
Use safe work procedures.
Train workers in the proper selection, use, and maintenance of fall protection systems.
3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION ELECTRIC SHOCK

15

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

This hazard was frequently happened in construction site. This hazard can occur to
employees who perform work on electrical equipment. Electrical equipment or socket
may not install properly. This accident is the most common accident in construction and
it can cause major injury or death.
Risk Evaluation
Activity
Using
electrical
devices
L : Likelihood

Hazard
Electrical Shock

Consequences
Risk of injury,
death, damage

L
3

S
5

R
7

Control
Checking before use
the devices

S: Severity R: Relative Risk

Risk Controls
1.
2.
3.

Eliminate the hazard: Checking before use.

Substitute the hazard: place it a proper area.
Isolate or enclose the hazard: separate the hazard from the workplace:Place safety and warning signs in critical areas at

construction site.
Been made to secure the construction zone and create a safer

the

environment.

16

BFC 4111- OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Use engineering solution: modify existing machinery or plant

or purchase different machinery or plant to prevent the object
falling.
5. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training in its use: Protecting feet-safety boots
Monitor and Review
To help avoid accidents at construction sites employers and employees need to do the
following:1.
2.
3.
4.

Use proper construction and installation of safety systems.

Supervise employees properly.
Use safe work procedures.
Train workers in the proper selection, use, and maintenance of fall protection systems.

17