Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

OCCUPATIONAL
SAFETY AND
HEALTH FOR
ENGINEERING

RUHIL NAZNIN AZAMAN

JABATAN KEJURUTERAAN
MEKANIKAL
POLITEKNIK SEBERANG PERAI

OCCUPATIONAL
SAFETY AND
HEALTH FOR

ENGINEERING

Ruhil Naznin Azaman
2021

Mechanical Engineering Department
Politeknik Seberang Perai

©All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated or reproduced in
any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from
Politeknik Seberang Perai.

ii eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be translated or reproduced in any retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording, or

otherwise, without prior permission in writing from Politeknik Seberang Perai.

Published by

Politeknik Seberang Perai
Jalan Permatang Pauh, 13500 Permatang Pauh

Pulau Pinang

Tel : 04-538 3322 Fax : 04-538 9266
Email: [email protected] Website : www.psp.edu.my
FB : politeknikseberangperai Ig : politeknikseberangperai

Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Ruhil Naznin Azaman, 1980-
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR ENGINEERING /
Ruhil Naznin binti Azaman.
Mode of access: Internet
eISBN 978-967-0783-84-0
1. Industrial safety.
2. Industrial hygiene.
3. Government publications--Malaysia.
4. Electronic books.
I. Title.
363.11

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering iii

Acknowledgement

First and foremost, praises and thanks to Allah, the Almighty, for His showers of
blessings throughout my journey in completing this book successfully.

I owe an enormous debt and gratitude to those who have helped and
contributed their knowledge, time, and energy; my beloved friends in Mechanical
Engineering Department, and Centre of Technology for Teaching and Learning. Their
assistance and encouragement meant a lot to me.

I would like to express my deep and sincere appreciation to Mr Ahmad Sabri
bin Mohamed, Head of Mechanical Engineering Program (Plant) and language editor
Mrs Norazizah binti Abdul Aziz for the constructive comments and recommendations
for this book to be completed.

I am immensely grateful to those who have given me the opportunity to write
this book, Head of Mechanical Engineering Department, Mr Muhammad Nasir bin
Marzuki and not forgetting the real gem, Mrs Norbahiah binti Zakaria, Head of Centre
of Technology for Teaching and Learning.

Deepest love and tremendous gratitude to my loving family whom I am very
thankful of for their love, understanding, prayers and continuous support in finishing
this book.

Ruhil Naznin Azaman

iv eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

Preface

Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering impart understanding of the self-
regulatory concepts and provisions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act
1994. This book is written specifically for polytechnic engineering students as
additional reading material. The contents in this book are relevant to latest syllabus
outlined for all engineering programs. This book emphasizes on the responsibilities
employer and employees in implementing and complying with the safety procedures
at work. The book covers the basis of Occupational Safety and Health Management
System, Incident Prevention, and Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk
Control (HIRARC). The book also provides insights on Fire Safety, and Workplace
Environment and Ergonomics with the aim to guide the students to better understand
Occupational Safety and Health.

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering v

Table of Content Pages

Chapter 1
1
CHAPTER 1 2
3
Introduction 4
1.1. History of Occupational Safety and Health in Malaysia 8
1.2. Occupational Safety and Health Concept
1.3. Importance of Safety in Workplace 9
1.4. Statutory Requirements 9
Sample Questions 12
15
CHAPTER 2 18

Introduction 19
2.1. Safety Management Concept 19
2.2. Establishment of Safety and Health Committee 21
2.3. Roles of the Management 27
Sample Questions 29

CHAPTER 3 30
30
Introduction 31
3.1. Incident Concept 33
3.2. Incident Prevention Principles 37
3.3. Incident Prevention Costs 43
Sample Questions
45
CHAPTER 4 45
48
Introduction 51
4.1. Hazard, Risk and Danger 53
4.2. Types of Hazards
4.3. Risk Assessment
4.4. Risk Control
Sample Questions

CHAPTER 5

Introduction
5.1. Basic of Fire
5.2. Fire Safety Planning
5.3. Escape Route
Sample Questions

vi eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 54
54
CHAPTER 6 56
59
Introduction 69
6.1. Workplace Environment
6.2. Workplace Health vii
6.3. Workplace Ergonomics
Sample Questions

References

1CHAPTER

INTRODUCTION TO OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
AND HEALTH LEGISLATION

Introduction

Occupational safety and health concerns safety, health, and welfare issues in the workplace.
OSH includes the laws, standards, and programs that are aimed at making the workplace
better for workers, along with co-workers, family members, customers, and other
stakeholders. The goal of an occupational safety and health program is to promote a safe and
healthy occupational environment. This chapter discusses occupational safety and health
legislation, duty of care and the statutory requirements related to the employer and
employees in an organization.

1.1 History of Occupational Safety and Health in Malaysia

The role of occupational safety and health has been in existence for 120 years ago, in the late
19th century. It started with steam boiler safety and then followed by machinery safety. After
that, it was continued with industrial safety, industrial safety and hygiene and lastly
occupational safety and health that covers every work sector. The evolution of era for
Occupational Safety and Health in Malaysia is described in Figure 1.1

Figure 1.1 Evolution of Era for Occupational Safety and Health in Malaysia

2 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

1.2 Occupational Safety and Health Concept

Everyone has the right to work in a safe environment. Occupational Safety and Health Act
1994 encourages safety culture in the workplace by providing best safety performance
indicator that should be able to prove the hazard control effectiveness in preventing
accidents. The right attitudes and beliefs in regards of safety and safety management system
must be cultivated amongst employer and employees in an organization. This is because a
safe workplace requires no prohibitive costs, not time consuming to set up and maintain, and
it is not complicated. Working in a safe workplace ensures efficiency that eventually save
money and most importantly, save life.

1.2.1 OSH Legislation

Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has enforced the Occupational Safety
and Health Act 1994 as the legislative framework to ensure safety, health, and welfare of
persons at work and to protect other person against safety risk or health in connection with
the activities of persons at work. The Act, also known as Act 514 was legislated on 25 February
1994. OSHA 1994 is a guideline used by public or private company in preparing and promoting
safety and health policies in the workplace, with intent to ensure the safety, health, and
welfare of all persons at all places of work. The three Acts that are related to OSH legislation
in Malaysia are as follows:
1. Factory and Machinery Act 1967 (Act 139)
2. Petroleum Act 1984 (Act 302)
3. Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514)

Occupational safety and health legislation helps to ensure that everyone is more responsible
in establishing a safe working environment especially employers and employees in
organizations. The general duties of the employer and employees, a self-employed person,
designer, manufacturer and supplier, the provision of appointing officers and the
establishment of the National Council, policy development and the preparation of

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 3

occupational safety and health measures, enforcement, the role of investigators and the legal
liabilities for the offences are provided in the OSHA 1994.

Regulations under Occupational Safety and Health Act are as follows:
1. Employers' Safety and Health General Policy Statements (Exception) Regulations 1995
2. Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1996
3. Safety and Health Committee) Regulations 1996
4. Safety and Health Officer) Regulations 1997
5. Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health Regulations 2000
6. Notification of Accident, Dangerous Occurrence, Occupational Poisoning and

Occupational Disease Regulations 2004
7. Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013
8. Noise Exposure Regulations 2019

1.3 Importance of Safety in Workplace

Workplace safety is very important for each and every employee in the industry. Health and
safety are the key factor for all the industries in order to promote the wellness of both
employees and employers. It is a duty and moral responsibility of the management of any
organization to take care of the employee’s protection. Workplace health and safety
procedures are important for the well-being of both employees and employers because
human loss is immeasurable and intolerable. As, such loss or injuries can employ major loss
to the families. Organizations do have safety risks, but the management should devote their
time to think and strategize the requirements of safety precautions in their organization to
ensure the safety of the employees for all time. Furthermore, the management should
confirm with all the employees’ issues related to their daily work and comfort. This can aid
the management to take measures according to the desired aspects of employees. This helps
them in improving the work productivity and efficiency.

4 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

1.3.1 Duty of Care

A moral or legal obligation to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of others is defined as
duty of care. Employers have the duty of care towards their employee. It is considered
negligence if an employer’s actions do not meet this standard of care. Negligence could result
in damage that may be claimed in a lawsuit. Self-employed and employees are also with
placed with important legal duties. Fines, enforcement notice or even imprisonment could be
imposed for breaches of these duties.

Employer must abide to the safety and health employment law and common duty care of law.
The following are a few of the obligations under the duty of care of an employer:

Defining jobs clearly and undertaking risk assessment
Ensuring a safe working environment
Providing adequate training and feedback on performance
Setting up an incentive program to promote safety
Ensuring that employee does not work excessive hours
Providing enough areas for rest and relaxation
Protecting employees from harassment/bullying
Protecting employees from discrimination
Providing communication channels for employee
Consulting employees on issues which concern them

1.4 Statutory Requirements

OSHA 1994 is a legislative framework of a combination of criminal law, lay out in statutes that
are known as statute law and common law. Statute law is the written law of a country
consisting of Parliament Acts, regulations or orders made within parameters of the Act. These
acts are part of a framework of principles in the areas or issues involved. After the Acts are
introduced, regulations and orders are written to support the Acts. Common law is judge-
declared law and evolves over the year. There are four basic elements in legal framework
related to OSHA 1994 as shown in Figure 1.2.

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 5

Act

Regulation
Industry Code of

Practice
Guidelines

Figure 1.2 Legal Framework related to OSHA 1994
Source: Adapted from the Guidelines on OSHA 1994, 2006

1. The Act: General rules dependent upon Parliament’s approval and the King’s consent.
2. The Regulation: Details of an Act endorsed by a Minister
3. Industry Code of Practice (ICOP): Any code, standard, rule and specification supporting

the Acts and regulations. Mandatory guideline for general requirements. Content is
revised to ensure the legislations are up to date
4. Guidelines: Documents that represent view on good practice with no legal force

In Malaysia, published and established ICOP, or safety and health guidelines could be
obtained from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). There are three
levels of duty types imposed by statute which allows different responses to hazard.

Absolute duty
Practicable
Reasonably practicable

1.4.1 Objective of Occupational Safety and Health 1994 (Act 514)

The objectives of Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 are:
(a) to secure the safety, health, and welfare of persons at work against risks to safety or
health arising out of the activities of persons at work.
(b) to protect persons at a place of work other than persons at work against risks to safety
or health arising out of the activities of persons at work.

6 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

(c) to promote an occupational environment for persons at work which is adapted to their
physiological and psychological needs.

(d) to provide the means whereby the associated occupational safety and health
legislations may be progressively replaced by a system of regulations and approved
industry codes of practice operating in combination with the provisions of this Act
designed to maintain or improve the standards of safety and health.

1.4.2 Employer’s Responsibilities (OSHA 1994 Part IV, Sections 15 –
19, 26 and 27)

The responsibilities of the employer describe in Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994
could be summarized in the Figure 1.3 and Figure 1.4.

Figure 1.3 Employer’s Responsibilities (OSHA 1994 Part IV, Sections 15 – 19)

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 7

Figure 1.4 Employer’s Responsibilities (OSHA 1994 Part IV, Sections 26 and 27)

1.4.3 Employee’s Responsibilities (OSHA 1994 Part VI, Sections 24
and 25)

Employee responsibilities are discussed in the Act of Part VI in Section 24 and 25 as shown in
Figure 1.5.

Figure 1.5 Employee’s Responsibilities (OSHA 1994 Part IV, Sections 24 and 25)

8 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

1.4.4 Objective of Factory and Machinery Act 1967 (Act 139)

The Factory and Machinery Act or also known as Act 139 is one of the conventional
approaches that emphasized on enforcement to prevent occupational accidents and disease
occurrence in the workplace. The objective of the Act that was revised in 1974 and
incorporated with the latest amendment in 2006 are:
1. To provide for control of factories with respect to matters relating to safety, health, and

welfare of persons
2. The registration and inspection of machinery
3. For matters connected therewith

1.4.5 Objective of Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127)

This Act makes provision for the prevention, abatement, control of pollution and
enhancement of the environment. The Environmental Quality Act was gazetted on 14 March
1974. In Malaysia, this Act provides the environmental framework for environmental
regulation that are based on licensing and the prescription of premises to be regulated.
Previous legislation was limited in scope and inadequate for handling environmental
problems which were more complex. Through the EQA 1974, a more comprehensive form of
legislation to control pollution was established. The Department of Environment has been
entrusted to administer this legislation.

Sample Questions

1. Define Occupational Safety and Health concept.
2. Describe the objectives of Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.
3. Discuss the FOUR (4) basic elements in the legal framework related to OSHA 1994.
4. List FIVE (5) obligations under duty of care of an employer.
5. Explain THREE (3) responsibilities of employers’ and THREE (3) responsibilities of

employees stated in Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.

2CHAPTER eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 9

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Introduction

The Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management System 2011 by the
Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Malaysia can be used as a reference for
detailed information to implement Occupational Safety and Health Management System
(OSHMS). The purpose of the guidelines is to provide direction and assistance in implementing
the OSHMS that is beneficial to the protection of employees from hazards and associated
risks, the elimination of work-related injuries, disabilities, ill health, diseases, near miss and
fatalities. This chapter explains the concept of safety management, the establishment of
safety and health committee and also describe the roles of the management.

2.1 Safety Management Concept

A proper Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OHSMS) includes making plan
or arrangement to ensure safety, health and welfare of employees and complying with legal
requirements, maintaining OSH execution continual improvements, and developing an OSH
culture in the organization. This concept establishes senior management's commitment to
continually improve safety. It defines the methods, processes, and organizational structure
needed to meet safety goals. Safety management determines the need for, and adequacy of,
new or revised risk controls based on the assessment of acceptable risk. To support the
identification of new hazards, this concept evaluates the continued effectiveness of
implemented risk control strategies. Safety management includes training, communication,
and other actions to create a positive safety culture within all levels of the workforce.

10 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

The following are several management key responsibilities concerning Occupational Safety
and Health Management System:

Including top management involvement and organizing work
Consulting employees
Assigning representatives to provide health and safety assistance
Giving adequate supervision and monitoring
Providing information, guidelines, and training
Monitoring and reviewing conditions for best practices

2.1.1 Occupational Safety and Health Standard Management
System

Occupational Safety and Health Management System is a set of interrelated or interacting
elements to establish and implement Occupational Safety and Health (OHS) policy and
objectives, and to achieve those objectives. OSHMS is part of the organisation's overall
management system used to manage OSH risks. An organisation that is certified to the
standard means it has established a systematic approach to control and improve its
occupational, health and safety performance. This will contribute to protection of employees
from work hazards, injuries, ill health, diseases, near misses and fatalities. By complying with
the standards helps relevant organisations to comply with legal requirements set out by
Occupational, Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514), Factory and Machinery Act1967 (Act 139)
and Petroleum (Safety Measures) Act 1984 (Act 302) and their relevant regulations. The
current national standard of OSHMS implemented in Malaysia is MS 1722:2011.

2.1.2 Principles of OSHMS

A major principle of OSHMS is the establishment of a line management responsibility,
including the meaningful involvement of all employees at all levels in the organization, and
with defined OSH responsibilities. Implementing OSHMS could improve OSH performance as
well as promoting safety culture in the workplace. The key elements of OSH MS 1722:2011

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 11

are policy, organizing, planning, and implementation, evaluation, and action for improvement
are as shown in Figure 2.1 and Table 2.1 states the general description the key elements.

Figure 2.1 OSHMS 1722 Elements
Source: Adapted from ILO-OSH 2001 Implementation Manual

Table 2.1 General Description and Sub-elements of OSH MS 1722:2011 Key Elements

Element Description Sub-elements
Policy Effective health and safety OSH policy
policies set a clear Employee involvement
Organizing direction for the
organization to follow. Responsibility
Planning and An effective management Competency
Implementation structure and Documentation
arrangements are in place Communication
for delivering the policy. Initial Review
There is a planned and Objective and Program
systematic approach to Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment
implementing the health and Risk Control (HIRARC)
and safety policy through Emergency Response Framework (ERF)
an effective health and Management to change
safety management Procurement
system. Contracting
Performance and monitoring
Evaluation Performance is measured Incident investigation
against agreed standards Audit
Action for to reveal when and where Management review
Improvement improvement is needed. Correction and preventive action
The organization learns Continual improvement
from all relevant
experience and applies the
lessons.

12 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

The relationship between the five elements is represented in the conceptual framework of
OSHMS with its sub element is shown in Figure 2.2.

Figure 2.2 Implementation Framework of OSHMS

2.2 Establishment of Safety and Health Committee

The safety and health committee provides a means of communication between employers
and employee regarding the safety and health issues in an organization. The importance of
an effective safety and health committee are as follows:

Reduced accidents rates
Improved safety and health awareness
Availability of an extensive selection of safety and health expertise and experience
Better communication encourages cooperation
Means of employees to express concern and have them be addressed

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 13

2.2.1 Section 30 OSH 1994

According to Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 Part VII Section 30, every employer
shall establish a safety and health committee at the place of work in accordance with this
section if:
(a) there are 40 or more persons employed at the place of work; or
(b) the Director General directs the establishment of such a committee at the place of work

(Act 154).

The function of safety and health committee is to encourage cooperation and consultation
between employer and employees to identify, evaluate and control workplace hazards.

2.2.2 Composition of Committee

Safety and Health Committee Regulations 1996 has described a clear composition of the
safety and health committee. The committee must be comprised of at least six members:
1. A chairman (employer or authorized manager)
2. A secretary
3. Two Representative of the employer
4. Two Representative of the employee

The employer or authorized manager shall be the chairman of the committee according to
the regulations. There should be at least two employer and two employee representatives
when 100 persons or less are employed in the organization. When more than 100 persons are
employed, there should be at least four employer and four employee representatives. The
employee representatives are nominated and selected among themselves with the consent
of the employer. Usually, the employer representatives are those with managerial
responsibilities, and those without such responsibilities will be the employee representatives.
The composition of the OSH committee is shown in Figure 2.3.

14 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

Figure 2.3 Composition of OSH Committee
Source: Adapted from ILO-OSH 2001 Implementation Manual

2.2.3 Specific Function of Committee

The following are the summarization of the committee representative specific functions.
Chairman

Schedules monthly meetings, arranges time, date, and place
Develop safety and health agendas for meetings
Conducts monthly meetings
Helps members to arrive at consensus on the solution
Ensures all members are involved; everyone can share facts and ideas
Secretary
Schedules monthly meetings, arranges time, date, and place
Develop safety and health agendas for meetings
Conducts monthly meetings
Helps members to arrive at consensus on the solution
Ensures all members are involved; everyone can share facts and ideas

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 15

Committee Representatives
Report employees’ safety and health concern
Report collection of accidents, near misses and unsafe workplace environment
Suggest items to include in the monthly meeting agenda
Encourage employees to report workplace hazard and suggest how to control them
Help management evaluate the company’s safety and health program, and suggest
improvement activities
Establish better investigation procedures for accident and near misses in the workplace

2.3 Roles of the Management

Management has direct control on safety and health environment in the workplace. Safety
and health in organization are the management responsibility and it is in their authority to
certify safe operations in all levels of management. In this context the supervisors perform an
important role in any OSH project as they are in direct contact with the employee. Supervisors
manage safety policy, provide specific information, help with training, and supply program
material as safety officers.

There are many ways to demonstrate management roles, for example:
Allocating adequate resources (financial, assets and training) for the best possible
functioning of the OSH program
Building up a good management team or organizational representatives to support OSH
development in the company
Assigning a senior management representative to be responsible for OSH administration
and an agent in charge of any OSH occasion

2.3.1 Section 16, OSHA 1994

According to Section 16 of OSHA 1994, employers or self-employed person have the
responsibility to create, publish, revise, and monitor the establishment of safety policy in their
day-to-day work environment. Safety policy is a statement proposed by the management to

16 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

the organization or company, based on the organization’s core values and expectation of
employees’ behaviour and performance and the policy should be made known to all
employees.

2.3.2 Procedures in Policy, Standard and Safety Guideline
Development

Basic safety activities in organizations include developing safety policy, standards, and safety
policy guidelines. The four main steps in developing the common basic safety activities in
organizations is explained in Figure 2.4.

Figure 2.4 Four Main Steps in Basic Safety Activities

The organization’s position in safety and health matters and how members can comply with
company policy must be stated clearly in the policy. Organization needs to develop standards
that should identify the basic management requirements for lost prevention. The policy must
be documented, achievable, measurable, and realistic for implementation. The policy must
include implementation arrangement and responsibilities within the organization. An up-to-
date policy shows a definite indication that the management considers the prevention of
safety and health loss is an important issue for the organization. Everyone in the organization
must be involved for the policy to be effective. Figure 2.5 shows an example of company’s
safety policy.

Policy and standards are the guidance and management information document. It is
important to have clear job instructions. The risks of injury should be minimized, and the
instructions could be easily followed as it have been documented. The safety and health
management system are well in place if the safety and health policy, standard procedures,

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 17

and proper safety guidelines has been identified by the organization. Commitment from
everyone in the organization will ensure an effective management system.

Figure 2.5 Example of a Company Policy

18 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

Sample Questions

1. Define Occupational Safety and Health Management System.
a. A set of interrelated or interacting elements to demolish and destroy OSH policy
and objectives, and to achieve those objectives.
b. A set of interrelated or interacting elements to establish and implement OSH
policy and objectives, and to achieve those objectives.
c. A set of unrelated or non-interacting elements to establish and implement OSH
policy and objectives, and to achieve those objectives.
d. A set of interrelated or interacting elements to establish and implement OSH
privacy and objectives, and to abolish those objectives.

2. Discuss the importance of implementing Occupational Safety and Health
Management System in the workplace.

3. Explain FIVE (5) management key responsibilities concerning Occupational Safety and
Health Management System.

4. Describe FOUR (4) specific functions for each following OSH committee:
i. Chairman
ii. Secretary
iii. Committee Representative

5. Explain the FOUR (4) main steps in developing the common basic safety activities in
organizations.

3CHAPTER eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 19

INCIDENT PREVENTION

Introduction

Incident prevention refers to the plans, preparations, and actions taken to avoid incident or
stop them from taking place. It includes all measures taken in an effort to save lives, escape
from injury, lessen the degrees of injury, avoid damage to property, reduce treatment and
compensation costs, and prevent the loss of productive time and morale. This chapter
describes the concept of incident, incidents principle, accident causation theories and
incident prevention cost.

3.1 Incident Concept

Incident is a condition that starts with unexpected and unplanned events due to a single cause
or combination of causes and the effects of an action or actions that creates undesired
situations towards human being, objects, and substances. Most incidents occurrence is due
to human errors or unsafe act and unsafe conditions to the environment compared to the
initial thought that these incidents occurred themselves. Accidents are incidents that could
cause physical harm to the employees or loss of properties. Unexpected and unplanned
events that does not impose harm to employees or properties are known as near misses. The
concept of incident is shown in Figure 3.1.

Figure 3.1 Concept of Incident

20 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

3.1.1 Incident

There is an obvious misconception between incident and accident when the two terms are
being used in the same article. These two terms are always believed to have the same
definition but indefinitely there is a difference. It is very important to understand basic
differences between incident, accident and near miss in OSH.

The term ‘incident’ is more suitable to describe an overall view of an undesired event
at the workplace compared to ‘accident’. In reference to MS 1722:2011 and OHSAS
18001:2007, not every incident is an accident, but every accident and near miss is an incident.

An incident can be identified by the following elements:
1. Sequence of events
2. Combination of causes
3. Results of the combination of events

Interruption of activities
May or may not cause harm, injuries, or extreme conditions (death or property
damage)

In general, incident is the description of an individual or combined series of causal events and
the effect of an action or actions that creates unwanted situation (usually situations causes
injuries and death) towards human beings, objects, or substance.

3.1.2 Accident and Near Miss

The definition used are based on incident prevention. The most suitable definition to be used
should be based on the latest standardized documentation from MS 1722:2011 and BSI
18001:2007. Table 3.1 describes the definition of accident and near miss.

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 21

Table 3.1 Definition of Accident and Near Miss NEAR MISS
ACCIDENT Incidents where unsafe events happen but

Incidents which occur and resulted in harm create no harm, injuries, or damages
to a person and even death, damage to towards property.

equipment or property, or combination of
both

Based on the definitions, incidents are unwanted events that are divided into accidents and
near misses; the former resulted in loss while the latter do not. Accidents are incidents that
consists of losses in terms of injuries or damages of properties. Whereby the definition of a
near miss shows the end results of the sequence of events that take place will not do any
harm towards human or damages to property.

Figure 3.1 Differences between Accident and Near Miss

Higher incident and accident rates are the result of misidentification of incident, accident and
near miss concept. This could lead up to the incorrect recommendations in priority for
incident prevention programs. Table 3.2 explains the differences between incident, accident
and near miss.

22 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

Table 3.2 Differences between incidents, accidents and near miss

Result

Incident Event Combination of Event Human Property

Injury Loss

An employee • Poor Due to the poor lighting, Twisted None
tripped and fell • lighting the employee was ankle None
resulted in a Undetected unable to see the
twisted ankle extension extension cord Damaged
(Accident) cord inventory

An employee • Poor Due to the poor lighting, None None
tripped and • lighting the employee was
almost fell Undetected unable to see the
(Near miss) extension extension cord
cord

An employee is

operating a • unstable The employee could not Death of an
forklift result in shelving lift the inventory employee
inventory properly with the
crashing down forklift due to the
causing his unstable shelving
death

(Accident)

An employee • using stool Due to the usage of None
uses a stool as a • as improper equipment,
substitute for a substitute the employee almost
ladder and loses for ladder fell
balance, nearly loses
falling balance
(Near miss)

3.2 Incident Prevention Principles

Incident prevention plays an important role in protecting employees from being injured and
afflicted with financial loss, disabilities, extreme pain or worse, death. Property damage
should also be prevented as such incident are associated with direct and indirect cost. The
success of reported rates or lowest number of incidents is a prove of effective incident
prevention programs.

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 23

According to Heinrich (1931) there are three fundamental principles for applying science to
accident prevention:
1. Through the creation and maintenance of an active interest in safety
2. Be fact finding
3. Leads to corrective action based on facts

3.2.1 Accident Causation Theories

Accident causation is a safety model that interprets different acts and/or conditions as
potential factors leading to accidents that could result in possible minor or serious injuries
and/or damaged equipment. It is developed to investigate and identify the causes of
occupational accidents. These theories aid in the understanding and identification of the type
and failures that cause accidents.

The two models of accident theory that will be discussed in this chapter are as follows.

1. Heinrich’s Domino Theory
It is an accident causation and control theory developed by H.W. Heinrich. Heinrich’s
Domino Theory suggests that all accidents, whether in a residence or a workplace
environment, are the result of a chain of events. The chain of events consists of the
following sequential factors: environment and ancestry social, fault of the person, unsafe
act, accident, and injury as the result of the preceding factors.
(a) Environment and Ancestry Social
Undesirable personality traits, such as stubbornness, greed, and recklessness can be
passed along through inheritance or develop from a person's social environment, and
that both inheritance and environment contribute to Faults of Person.

(b) Fault of The Person
Inherited or acquired character flaws such as bad temper, inconsiderateness,
ignorance, and recklessness are responsible for the person committing unsafe acts or
allowing the existence of mechanical or physical hazards (unsafe conditions).

24 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

(c) Unsafe Act
According to Heinrich, unsafe acts and unsafe conditions were the central factor in
preventing incidents, and the easiest causation factor to remedy. Unsafe acts include
not wearing proper personal protection equipment provided, standing under
suspended loads, and playing around at work. Unsafe conditions or mechanical or
physical hazards are unguarded machinery, unguarded pinch points, and insufficient
light.

(d) Accident
Events such as slips and trips, being struck by moving or flying objects, being caught in
machinery, or exposed with high energy sources or radiation.

(e) Injury
Sprains, fractures, lacerations, cuts, etc. that result from accidents

Figure 3.2 Heinrich’s Domino Theory
Figure 3.2 illustrate Heinrich’s Domino Theory. These factors are described as dominoes,
and the removal of any one of these five factors can prevent the accident. Heinrich
suggested that ‘Accident’ could be avoided by removing the domino nearest to it (‘Unsafe
Act’ domino). By removing ‘Unsafe Act’, even if ‘Social Environment and Ancestry’ and
‘Fault of the Person’ happens, ‘Accident’ can still be prevented.

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 25

2. Bird’s Loss Causation Model
It is the first updated model after the 1. Heinrich’s Domino Theory. Frank E. Bird Jr has
developed clearer relation model between the undesired event and its consequences. He
proposed the use of Management System as the main control towards Immediate and
Basic cause, also known as the “root” cause (Hosseinian & Torghabeh, 2012; Bird and
Germain, 1996). The International Loss Control Institute then modified and perfected
Bird’s Loss Causation Model naming it The International Loss Control Institute (ILCI) Loss
Causation Model.
This model showed an accident sequence which was more manageable and
controllable. Compared to the element of ‘Social Environment and Ancestry’ in Heinrich’s
model, the ILCI Loss Causation Model reflects on real-life situations where communication
and management is used as a powerful tool to prevent accidents. In this model, ‘Ancestry-
Social Environment’ is replaced with ‘Management System’ and ‘Fault of person’ with
‘Basic causes’.

Two main concepts introduced in ILCI Loss Causation Model:
Lack of management control towards their workers caused the influence of
management and managerial error on near misses or accidents.
Loss is as the result of an accident— it represents injuries, damages due to production
losses, property damage or wastage of other assets.

Figure 3.3 Loss Causation Model

26 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

ILCI Loss Causation Model still maintains the domino-based sequence of events of events
that leads up to eventual loss as shown in Figure 3.3. There are five sequential steps in
this model:

(a) Lack of control
There are three common reasons for lack of control:
Inadequate safety program
Inadequate standards
Inadequate compliance

(b) Basic causes
Personal factors: lack of knowledge, skill, or inability to handle pressures of the job
Job factors: inadequate training, inappropriate and inadequate equipment, and
tools, worn equipment and tools

(c) Immediate/direct causes
Substandard conditions, for examples:
Inadequate guards or barriers
Defective tools, equipment, or materials
Poor housekeeping; disorderly workplace
Inadequate ventilation
Substandard conditions, for examples:
Inadequate guards or barriers
Defective tools, equipment, or materials
Poor housekeeping; disorderly workplace
Inadequate ventilation

(d) Incident/Contact
Incidents that may or may not result in injury to a person or damages to property.
Science is used to explain injuries on human being or damages on property.

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 27

(e) Loss (injury or damage to property)
Loss is the result of an accident. Loss can be direct or indirect, both of which must
be considered to fully appreciate the impact to a company. Direct loss includes
harm to people, damage to property, or a reduction/halt in productivity. Increased
training costs to replace injured employees, legal expenses, investigation time, and
loss of business due to unfavourable press are some of example for indirect loss.

3.3 Incident Prevention Cost

One of the most important elements to be considered in incident prevention is cost. Most
incident prevention plan could not be implemented without any allocation. Determining a
projected cost is vital even though it is hard to determine the actual cost needed to implement
prevention programs. The three types of costing shall be discussed are:
1. Design cost
2. Operational cost
3. Future Cost

3.3.1 Design Cost

Organization will bear high initial expenditure for most incident prevention programs such as
designing a protection system for moving parts. These protection designs would eventually
save lives as an outcome in the long run. Most of the design costs are one-off but these
designs can be utilized for a long period of time. HIRARC reports, job analysis reports, need
analysis reports, and accident investigation reports are the foundation of these protection
designs. The outcome of accidents, near misses and complaints are good feedback for
incident prevention. For example, the report analysis generated based on the information
obtained from complaints about machine operations hazards and injuries reports will be used
to develop solution designs. Additionally, purchasing machines with safety features help to
safeguard workers from injury.

28 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

3.3.2 Operational Cost

Employers and safety committee members initiate incident prevention programs that include
safety training, new safety practice information and open day OSH to create awareness of
safety in the workplace. Organization would be benefited by incident prevention programs. It
could increase the organization profit by lowering the incident expenses. The profit of would
increase when fewer incidents occur. Incident preventions protect the future needs such as
cost needed to implement environmental preservation, recycling, and usage of renewable
energy, and minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals in ensuring minimum exposure of
employees to occupational hazards.

3.3.3 Future Cost

The purpose of incident prevention is accident intervention. It lowers the costs of injuries,
illnesses, loss of property and time. If incident prevention is properly applied and
implemented, it can eliminate the high estimation of indirect cost. For every incident that
occurred there will be direct and indirect cost to bear by the organization. This condition can
be seen as the iceberg concept where the tip of the iceberg is direct cost and the bottom of
the iceberg submerged is an indirect cost shown in Figure 3.4.

Figure 3.4 Iceberg Theory Direct (Visible) Cost vs Indirect Cost (Non-visible)

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 29

Direct and indirect costs of injury and illness are deducted directly out of profit as money are
saved by preventing accidents. It could also increase benefits by decreasing accidents rates.
Incident prevention can protect future cost by keeping the accidents cost low.

Sample Questions

1. Explain the concept of incident.
2. Explain the difference between incident, accident, and near miss.
3. State the THREE (3) fundamental principles for applying science to accident

prevention.
4. Describe the FIVE (5) sequential steps in ILCI Loss Causation Model.
5. Discuss the difference between direct costs and indirect costs of an accident based on

the Iceberg theory.

CHAPTER 430 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT
AND RISK CONTROL (HIRARC)

Introduction

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control or HIRARC is a systematic approach
to assess hazards and risks associated and the control measures to be taken. Qualitative,
quantitative, and semi quantitative methods can be used in risk assessment. HIRARC is
important in ensuring all work procedures and safety precautions have been analysed before
any task is performed. This chapter explain hazard, risk and danger, types of hazards, risk
assessment and risk control.

4.1 Hazard, Risk and Danger

Hazard, risk, and danger definitions are usually similar in a standard language dictionary
although these three terms have clear distinctions between them. Table 4.1 lists the definition
for each term that is essential to show the differences.

Table 4.1 Definition of Hazard, Risk and Danger

Term Definition

Any source or situation at work with a potential for harm to humans, in term of

Hazard injury, adverse health effects or ill health; damage to the environment and

property; or any combination of these.

The chance, probability or likelihood of person being harmed or experiencing an

adverse health effect, based on severity of damage and injuries suffered when

Risk exposed to hazardous event with specific duration. It also applies to situations

involving property and equipment damage or loss, damage to the environment,

or any combinations of these events.

A workplace hazard that puts employees or visitors at immediate risk of physical
Danger

injuries or even death.

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 31

4.2 Types of Hazards

Thera are different types of hazards that can be divided based on substance, material,
environmental and/or physical conditions as described in Table 4.2.

Table 4.2 Types of Hazards

Type Definition Examples
Physical Environmental factors that can machinery
harm an employee without electrical power
necessarily touching them, including noise
heights, noise, radiation, and power and hand tools
pressure. working and walking surfaces
trip and fall hazards
Biological Threats to the health or living ladders and scaffolds
Chemical organisms, primarily that of heat and cold
humans. Most commonly are noise
associated with working with ventilation
animals, people, or infectious plant mould and fungus
materials. bacteria
Hazardous substances that can viruses
cause harm. These hazards can insect stings
result in both health and physical animal bites
impacts, such as skin irritation, animal droppings
respiratory system irritation, liquids such a cleansers, acids,
blindness, corrosion, and and paints
explosions. vapours and fumes such as
welding fumes
Psychosocial Psychosocial hazards include those gases such as carbon monoxide
Ergonomic that can have an adverse effect on flammable materials such as
an employee’s mental health or gasoline, solvents, and explosive
wellbeing. Stressors that cause chemicals
stress (short term effects) and strain sexual harassment
(short term effects). victimization
Any condition which has the stress
potential to cause harm to a workplace violence
worker's musculoskeletal system. bullying

a poor workstation setup in an
office
poor posture, manual handling
and vibration
awkward movement
repetitive movement

32 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

Type Definition Examples
Safety These are hazards that create spills on floors or tripping
unsafe working conditions. It is hazards, such as blocked aisles
most common or cords running across the floor
Working from heights, including
ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or any
raised work area
Unguarded machinery and
moving machinery parts; guards
removed or moving parts that a
worker can accidentally touch
Electrical hazards like frayed
cords, missing ground pins,
improper wiring
Confined spaces
Machinery-related hazards
(lockout/tag out, boiler safety,
forklifts, etc)

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

Hazard identification is a process of recognizing that a hazard exists and defining its
characteristics. There are a few techniques that can be used to identify hazards.
1. workplace inspections;
2. task safety analysis or job hazard analysis;
3. preliminary investigations;
4. potential accident factors;
5. failure analysis;
6. accident and incident investigations.

One example of hazard identification technique is job hazard analysis (JHA). JHA breaks down
a job or task into specific steps, analyses each step for specific hazards, creates safe work
procedures to eliminate or reduce identified hazards, and integrates safe work procedures

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 33

into safety and health training programs. It is essential that a JHA is developed for each job or
task to ensure the safety of employees at all times. Supervisors and employees are the most
suitable to develop JHA as they are the ones to perform the job or tasks.

4.3 Risk Assessment

A risk assessment is a process to identify potential hazards and analyse what could happen if
a hazard occurs. Information about each identified hazard is gathered to consider the number
of people exposed to each hazard and the duration of the exposure. The information is used
to assess the likelihood and consequence of each hazard. A risk assessment table is then
utilized to work out the risk associated with each hazard. Risk assessment can be conducted
by qualitative, quantitative, or semi quantitative methods.

4.3.1 Risk Assessment Method

Two methods that will be discussed in this chapter is qualitative and semi quantitative
methods. According to Guidelines for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control
(HIRARC) (2008), qualitative analysis uses words to describe the magnitude of potential
severity and the likelihood that those severity will occur. These scales used in qualitative
method can be adapted or adjusted to suit the circumstances and different descriptions may
be used for different risks. Expert knowledge and experience are used to determine likelihood
and severity category.

The two main elements in HIRARC, severity and likelihood of the hazard turning into accident
of must be determined in risk assessment.

1. Severity of hazard
Severity is outcome from an event such as severity of injury or health of people, or damage
to property, or insult to environment, or any combination of those caused by the event.
Example of severity is shown in Table 4.3.

34 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

Table 4.3 Example of severity

Severity (S) Occurrences Rating
5
Catastrophic Numerous fatalities, irrecoverable property damage and 4
Major productivity 3
Approximately one single fatality and/or major property 2
damage if hazard is realized 1

Moderate Non-fatal injury, permanent disability

Minor Disabling but not permanent injury

Insignificant Minor abrasions, bruises, cuts, first aid type of injury

Source: Adapted from Guideline for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control
(HIRARC), 2008

2. Likelihood of occurrence
Likelihood includes event likely to occur within the specific period or in specified
circumstances. Past experience and past incidents reported based on employee
experience, analysis or measurement are referred as determinant of likelihood level as
described in Table 4.4.

Table 4.4 Example of Likelihood Occurrences Rating
Likelihood (L) 5
4
Almost certain Has a very high chance of occurring 3
2
Likely Has a good chance of occurring and it is not unusual 1

Possible Might occur at some time in the future

Unlikely Has not been known for many years

Inconceivable Is practically impossible and never occurred

Source: Adapted from Guideline for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control
(HIRARC), 2008

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 35

4.3.2 Semi-Quantitative Method

Semi-quantitative analysis is used to quantify the quality assessment into numbers on scale.
Semi quantitative assessment is developed to produce an expanded ranking scale using
numbers combined with qualitative explanations. This method of assessment is easy to
understand compared to qualitative analysis (words) and quantitative analysis (numbers).
Presenting the results in a risk assessment matrix is very effective to explain the risk in a
workplace. In mathematical term, risk can be calculated by the equation:

Risk = Likelihood (L) x Severity (S)
Table 4.5 shows an example of risk assessment matrix for risk analysis that uses likelihood
and severity.
Table 4.5 Example of Risk Assessment Matrix

Source: Adapted from Guideline for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control
(HIRARC), 2008

36 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

The risk assessment indicator determines what action needed to be taken. A relative risk
number will be assigned to each activity and task based on the likelihood and severity (refer
Tables 4.3 and 4.4). The results are then compared to the risk assessment matrix (refer Table
4.5) to indicate whether the hazard is high, medium, or low risk.
For example, if the likelihood is ‘Likely (4)’ and the severity of the task is ‘Moderate (3)’, then
by using the equation:

Risk = Likelihood (L) x Severity (S)
Risk = 4 x 3
Risk = 12
Based on the risk assessment matrix, the result indicates that the hazard is medium risk.
The relative risk value can be used to prioritize necessary actions to effectively manage
workplace hazards. Table 4.6 shows an example of risk assessment indicators and suggested
actions.
Table 4.6 Risk assessment indicators and suggested actions

Source: Adapted from Guideline for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control
(HIRARC), 2008

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 37

4.4 Risk Control

The aims of risk control are to eliminate, substitute or minimized risks identified through risk
assessment. This is to ensure that the hazards identified presents no risk or little risk as
possible to employees who have to enter into an area or work on equipment in the course of
scheduled work. Hazards should be controlled at their source where the problem is created.

Selecting a control often involves:
(a) evaluating and selecting short- and long-term controls;
(b) implementing short-term measures to protect workers until permanent controls can be

put in place; and
(c) implementing long term controls when reasonably practicable.

For example, suppose a noise hazard is identified. Short-term controls might require workers
to use hearing protection. Long term, permanent controls might remove or isolate the noise
source.

4.4.1 Hierarchy of Control

Hierarchy of control is the technique used to determine the risk control method. It is essential
to select suitable risk controls and identifying risk level of the hazard to deal with the
workplace hazard. The hierarchy is arranged from the highest priority to the lowest as
illustrated in Figure 4.1

38 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

Figure 4.1 Hierarchy of Control
The hierarchy of control is a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing risks and it ranks
risk controls from the highest level of protection and reliability through to the lowest and
least reliable protection. Elimination is the best solution for hazard control thus it is placed at
the highest level in the hierarchy. Elimination means that there is no hazard to be concerned
about. Nevertheless, not all hazards can be eliminated. Substitution is the control to be
considered if the hazard could not be eliminated. If substitution could not minimize the
hazard, isolation of the hazardous process to reduce exposure should be implemented.
Engineering control by applying engineering-based solutions should be used if solution is still
not sufficient or not possible. Administrative control by limiting number of hours exposure to
hazardous condition could be administer after engineering control. The last option to be
considered if all these methods are still unable to minimize the hazard is the use of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE). Each element of hierarchy control is described in Table 4.7.

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 39

Table 4.7 Hierarchy of Control Description

Control Description
Elimination The job is redesigned, or the substance is eliminated to remove the
Substitution hazard. However, the alternative method should not lead to a less
acceptable product or less effective process.
Isolation
Replace the material or process with a less hazardous one. For
example, replace mercury thermometers with spirit thermometers.

If a hazard cannot be eliminated or replaced, it can sometimes be
isolated, contained or otherwise kept away from workers. For
example, an insulated and air-conditioned control room can protect
operators from a toxic chemical.

Engineering Install or use additional machinery such as local exhaust ventilation to
Control control the risk. Separating the hazard from operators by methods
such as enclosing or guarding dangerous items of machinery. For
example, use guards on compression testing machines.

Administrative Reduce the time the worker is exposed to the hazard. Prohibit the
Controls eating, drinking, and smoking in laboratory areas. Provide training.
Perform risk assessments. Increase safety awareness signage.
Personal
Protective Only after all the previous measures have been tried and found to be
Equipment (PPE) ineffective in controlling the risks to a reasonably practicable level,
then Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment must be used. If
chosen, PPCE should be selected and fitted to the person who uses it.
Workers must be trained in the function and limitation of each item
of PPCE. For example, an operator should know how long the
compressed supply in a self- contained breathing apparatus will last.
PPCE may be used as a temporary control measure until other
alternatives are installed.

Figure 4.2 shows an example of Hierarchy Control for Cyclist Hazard. The first hierarchy of
control is done by eliminating other vehicles from the road such as designating a special road
for cyclist only. Introducing separate lane for cyclist on the road is an example of substitution
for less hazardous option. Warning of hazards for users such as using warning lights is to
isolate the cyclist from hazard. The usage of engineering control such as traffic lights
customized for cyclist could be an option to control hazard. Education on road safety to cyclist
is a form of administrative control. Lastly it best for cyclist to wear Personal Protective
Equipment as the last resort to control hazard.

40 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

Figure 4.2 Example of Hierarchy of Control for Cyclist Hazard
Planning and Implementation of HIRARC
HIRARC activities shall be planned for situation where hazard appear to pose significant
threat, uncertain whether existing controls are adequate, or/and before implementing
corrective or preventive measures. The activities must be conducted by organization
intending to continuously improve OSH Management System. It should be the duty of the
employer to assign trained personnel to lead a team of employees associated with one
particular process or activity to conduct HIRARC.

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 41

Process of HIRARC requires 4 simple steps:
1. Classify work activities.
2. Identify hazard.
3. Conduct risk assessment (analyse and estimate risk from each hazard), by calculating or

estimating:
likelihood of occurrence, and
severity of hazard;

4. Decide if risk is tolerable and apply control measures (if necessary).
Figure 4.3 illustrate the flowchart of HIRARC Process and Figure 4.4 is shows an example of
HIRARC form.

Figure 4.3 HIRARC Flowchart
Source: Adapted from Guideline for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control

(HIRARC), 2008

42 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering Figure 4.4 Example of HIRARC form

Figure 4.3 Example of HIRARC Form

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 43

Sample Questions

1. Define hazard, risk, and danger.
2. Explain THREE (3) types of hazards.
3. Discuss the purpose of risk assessment.
4. Describe the SIX (6) steps in the hierarchy of control with an example of a risk

situation.
5. Based on the following situation, conduct a Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and

Risk Control (HIRARC) evaluation of all the hazards identified using the HIRARC form
given (Appendix 1).

Situation:
A team of three workers operates a jigsaw cutting machine and lathe machine. Their
work includes loading metals onto the machine, cutting the metal, shaping the metal
according to design, unloading the metal and smoothing the metal surface. They also
need to repair and maintain the lathe machine regularly as well as to change the tool
bit and clean metal chips, clean spindle tapers and protect the lathe machine from
rust.