1a) In a workplace, exposure to risk can occur across various operations and activities.

Here’s
a detailed list of operations where exposure to risk may occur:

i. Material Handling and Storage

Risk of ergonomic injuries due to lifting heavy objects, repetitive tasks, or awkward postures.

Risk of slips, trips, and falls from improperly stored materials or cluttered walkways.

Exposure to falling objects or struck-by hazards during material handling activities.

ii. Machine Operations and Maintenance

Risk of entanglement, caught-in/between accidents, or contact with moving parts.

Exposure to electrical hazards when servicing or repairing machinery.

Risk of burns, cuts, or crush injuries during machine setup, operation, or maintenance.

iii. Chemical Handling and Processing

Exposure to toxic chemicals, corrosive substances, or flammable materials during handling,

mixing, or dispensing.

Risk of chemical spills, leaks, or releases leading to environmental contamination or health

hazards.

Exposure to chemical fumes, vapors, or dusts during processing or manufacturing operations.

iv. Construction and Demolition Activities

Risk of falls from heights during roofing, scaffolding, or elevated work platforms.

Exposure to struck-by hazards from moving vehicles, equipment, or falling objects.

Risk of trench collapse, engulfment, or suffocation during excavation or trenching activities.

v. Electrical Work and Maintenance

Exposure to electrical shocks, burns, or arc flash incidents when working on live electrical
systems.

Risk of falls from ladders or elevated platforms during electrical installations or repairs.
Exposure to electrical hazards from faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or improper
grounding.

vi. Confined Space Entry

Risk of asphyxiation, suffocation, or exposure to toxic gases in confined spaces such as tanks,
silos, or underground vaults.

Risk of engulfment, entrapment, or collapse in confined spaces with limited entry or exit
points.

Exposure to electrical, mechanical, or atmospheric hazards during confined space operations.

vii. Welding, Cutting, and Hot Work

Risk of burns, eye injuries, or respiratory hazards from welding arcs, sparks, or UV radiation.

Exposure to metal fumes, gases, or airborne contaminants generated during welding or

cutting operations.

Risk of fire or explosion when working with flammable materials or in confined spaces.

viii. Laboratory Work and Research

Exposure to biological hazards such as infectious agents, toxins, or bio-hazardous materials

in laboratory settings.

Risk of chemical exposure, spills, or accidents when handling hazardous substances or

performing experiments.

Exposure to radiation hazards, sharps injuries, or physical hazards in research facilities.

ix. Office Operations

Risk of ergonomic injuries from prolonged sitting, poor workstation setup, or repetitive
computer use.

Exposure to slips, trips, and falls from wet floors, loose cables, or cluttered walkways.

Risk of fire, electrical hazards, or indoor air quality issues in office buildings.

x. Healthcare and Patient Care

Exposure to biological hazards such as infectious diseases, blood borne pathogens, or
contaminated bodily fluids.

Risk of needle-stick injuries, sharps injuries, or exposure to hazardous drugs during medical
procedures.

Physical hazards from patient handling, lifting, or transferring, leading to musculoskeletal

injuries.

xi. Food Handling and Processing

Risk of contamination from food-borne pathogens, allergens, or chemical hazards during

food preparation, cooking, or serving.

Exposure to slips, cuts, burns, or falls in food service areas such as kitchens, restaurants, or
food processing plants.

Risk of heat-related illnesses, ergonomic injuries, or repetitive strain injuries in food

production facilities.

xii. Outdoor Work and Field Operations

Exposure to extreme weather conditions, heat stress, or cold stress during outdoor work
activities.

Risk of falls, cuts, or puncture wounds from uneven terrain, sharp objects, or wildlife
encounters.

Exposure to environmental hazards such as air pollution, UV radiation, or natural disasters in

outdoor work environments.

xiii. Transportation and Logistics

Risk of vehicular accidents, collisions, or overturns during transportation activities involving

trucks, forklifts, or other vehicles.

Exposure to ergonomic hazards, vibration, or whole-body vibration (WBV) from prolonged

driving or operating heavy machinery.

Risk of slips, trips, or falls while loading, unloading, or securing cargo on trucks, trailers, or
shipping containers.
xiv. Waste Management and Recycling

Exposure to hazardous chemicals, biological agents, or contaminants when handling, sorting,

or processing waste materials.

Risk of cuts, puncture wounds, or sharps injuries from broken glass, metal objects, or sharp
items in waste streams.

Exposure to airborne pollutants, dust, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in recycling

facilities or waste treatment plants.

xv. Maintenance and Facility Management

Risk of falls from heights during roof repairs, window cleaning, or maintenance of building
exteriors.

Exposure to chemical hazards, asbestos, or lead-based paint during renovation, painting, or

repair work in older buildings.

Risk of confined space hazards, electrical shocks, or equipment failures during maintenance
activities in industrial facilities or utility plants.

xvi. Agricultural Operations

Exposure to agricultural chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers during

spraying, application, or handling.

Risk of machinery-related injuries, entanglement, or rollovers when operating tractors,

harvesters, or agricultural equipment.

Exposure to biological hazards such as zoonotic diseases, allergens, or animal-related injuries

during livestock handling, milking, or poultry processing.

xvii. Mining and Quarrying

Risk of rockfalls, cave-ins, or collapses in underground mines, tunnels, or open-pit quarries.

Exposure to dust, silica, or asbestos fibers during drilling, blasting, or excavation activities in
mining operations.
 Risk of gas explosions, fires, or methane emissions in coal mines, oil rigs, or natural gas
extraction sites.

xviii. Water Treatment and Waste water Management

Exposure to chemical hazards such as chlorine gas, ammonia, or hydrogen sulfide during
water treatment processes or disinfection

Risk of drowning, falls, or electrocution during maintenance or repair work on water

infrastructure, dams, or reservoirs.

Exposure to biological contaminants, pathogens, or sewage-related hazards in waste-water

treatment plants or sewage systems.

1b) A hazard matrix, also known as a risk matrix, is a tool used to assess and rank risks based
on their likelihood and severity. It typically consists of a grid with likelihood categories on
one axis and consequence (or severity) categories on the other axis. Each cell in the grid
represents a combination of likelihood and consequence, and risks are scored and ranked
accordingly. Here’s a demonstration of the correct use of a hazard matrix in risk ranking:

1) Define Likelihood and Consequence Categories

Develop clear definitions for each likelihood and consequence category to ensure consistent
interpretation and scoring across different risk assessments.

Provide examples or scenarios for each category to help users understand and apply the
definitions effectively.

Consider using descriptive terms (e.g., Very Unlikely, Likely, Almost Certain) rather than
numerical values for likelihood categories to enhance clarity and understanding.

2) Assign Scores to Likelihood and Consequence Categories

Use a consistent scoring system across all risk assessments to facilitate comparison and
aggregation of risk data.

Ensure that the scoring system is intuitive and easy to understand, with clear criteria for
assigning scores to each category.
Provide guidance or training to users on how to assign scores based on the likelihood and
consequences of identified risks.

3) Identify and Assess Risks

Conduct a thorough risk assessment process to identify and analyze potential hazards,
considering both internal and external factors that may affect the likelihood and consequences
of risks.

Involve relevant stakeholders, including subject matter experts, front line workers, and
management, in the risk assessment process to ensure comprehensive coverage and diverse
perspectives.

Gather relevant data, information, and historical records to support the assessment of
likelihood and consequences for each identified risk.

4) Plot Risks on the Hazard Matrix

Use the likelihood and consequence scores determined during the risk assessment to plot each
risk on the hazard matrix.

Ensure that risks are accurately positioned within the appropriate cells of the matrix,
reflecting their assessed likelihood and consequences.

Consider using color-coded or visually distinct markers to highlight risks of different severity
levels or priority ratings.

5) Determine Risk Ratings

Apply a consistent method for determining risk ratings or priority levels based on the hazard
matrix, considering the combined scores of likelihood and consequences for each risk.

Consider using a risk rating matrix or scale to translate the combined likelihood and
consequence scores into qualitative risk ratings (e.g., Low, Medium, High).

Document the rationale behind the assignment of risk ratings for transparency and
accountability, including factors such as mitigating controls, residual risk, and organizational
risk tolerance.

6) Implement Risk Mitigation Measures

Develop and prioritize risk mitigation measures or control strategies based on the identified
risk ratings and associated priorities.

Focus resources and efforts on addressing high-priority risks that have the potential for
significant impact or consequences.

Consider a range of risk treatment options, including risk avoidance, risk reduction, risk
transfer, and risk acceptance, depending on the nature and severity of the risks.

7) Review and Monitor Risks

Establish a process for regular review and monitoring of risks to track changes in likelihood
and consequences over time.

Conduct periodic reviews of the hazard matrix to reassess the effectiveness of risk mitigation
measures and identify emerging risks or trends.

Communicate updates and changes to stakeholders and decision-makers to ensure ongoing

awareness and support for risk management efforts.

By using a hazard matrix in risk ranking, organizations can systematically assess, prioritize,
and manage risks to ensure the safety and well-being of workers and the success of their
operations.

1c) An accident register is a formal record-keeping document or system used by

organizations to systematically record and track information related to workplace accidents,
incidents, injuries, and near misses. It serves as a central repository for documenting details
of each occurrence and helps organizations analyze trends, identify root causes, and
implement corrective actions to prevent future incidents. By maintaining a comprehensive
accident register, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to workplace safety,
compliance with regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement in managing
occupational health and safety risks. It serves as a valuable tool for promoting a culture of
safety, accountability, and transparency within the organization.

Questions
1(a) Identify operations where exposure to risk may occur [5]
(b) Demonstrate correct use of hazard matrix in risk ranking [5]
(c) Define accident register [2]