When it comes to workplace safety, the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) is a recognized qualification that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage risks effectively. One of the critical components of the NEBOSH IGC is the IG2 risk assessment, where learners demonstrate their ability to assess and control workplace hazards. Part 4 of the IG2 risk assessment, titled "Review, Communicate and Check," is pivotal in ensuring that the risk assessment is not only thorough but also actionable and sustainable.
This blog post will guide you through the process of completing Part 4 effectively.
Understanding the Importance of Part 4 in NEBOSH IG2 Risk Assessment
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to
understand why Part 4 is crucial. This section ensures that the risk assessment
is not a onetime activity but a continuous process that involves reviewing the
effectiveness of control measures, communicating the findings to relevant
stakeholders, and following up to confirm that actions have been implemented.
Completing this section effectively guarantees that the workplace remains safe
over time and that the risk assessment serves its purpose in mitigating
hazards.
1. Planning the Review Date or Period with Reasoning
Factors to Consider:
Nature of the
Hazards: High risk activities or environments may require more frequent
reviews. For example, if the risk assessment covers hazardous chemicals, a
review might be necessary every few months.
Changes in the
Workplace: Any significant changes, such as new machinery, processes, or
personnel, should trigger a review. Therefore, your review period might
coincide with planned organizational changes.
Legal and Regulatory
Requirements: Some industries have specific legal requirements for
reviewing risk assessments. Ensure that your review period complies with these
regulations.
Example Scenario: [I
have prepare this risk assessment on 10th-March-2024
and the review date of this risk assessment is 10th-March-2025. If any changes will not occur in the
workplace like key personnel, workplace structures, machine and equipment or
policies then risk assessment will review on review date otherwise of any
changes occur then risk assessment will be review at that time.]
Writing Tip: When documenting this in Part 4, clearly state
your planned review date or period and provide a concise explanation of why
this timeframe was chosen. Aim for 50-100 words to stay within the suggested
word count.
2. Communicating the Risk Assessment Findings
Once the risk assessment is complete, it’s crucial to
communicate the findings effectively. This step ensures that everyone involved
understands the risks and the measures in place to control them.
Methods of Communication:
Meetings:
Organize safety meetings to discuss the findings. This method is particularly
effective in smaller teams where face-to-face communication ensures that everyone
is on the same page.
Emails and Memos:
For larger organizations, emails or memos can be an efficient way to
disseminate information. Ensure that these communications are clear, concise,
and highlight the key points.
Noticeboards:
Placing the findings on workplace noticeboards can help reach employees who may
not have access to email. This method ensures that the information is
accessible to everyone.
Who Needs to Know?
Management:
They need to be informed to provide the necessary resources and support for
implementing control measures.
Employees:
Workers directly involved in the activities covered by the risk assessment must
understand the risks and their role in controlling them.
Safety Representatives: If your organization has safety representatives, they should be fully briefed on the findings to assist in monitoring and enforcing safety measures.
Writing Tip: In Part 4, describe how you will communicate the findings and specify who needs to be informed. Use 100150 words to provide a clear and detailed explanation.
Example: [The risk assessment will communicated with the manager the risk assessment will share with worker in TBT this risk assessment will share with all person of the site with graphical communication the hard copy of the risk assessment was given to the all worker of the bakery the risk assessment was displayed on the wall of the site the risk assessment will communicated with supervisor foreman and HSE manager.]
3. Following Up on the Risk Assessment
The final step in Part 4 is to outline how you will follow up on the risk assessment. This process ensures that the control measures identified are implemented and remain effective over time.
Follow-Up Strategies:
Regular
Inspections: Schedule inspections to check whether the control measures are
in place and functioning as intended. For example, if the risk assessment
includes safety barriers, ensure they are installed and maintained correctly.
Audits:
Conducting audits can provide a more in-depth review of the effectiveness of
the control measures. Audits can be internal, where your team reviews the
controls, or external, where an independent body assesses the effectiveness.
Feedback Sessions:
Engage with employees and safety representatives to gather feedback on the
control measures. They can provide insights into any practical challenges or
additional risks that may have arisen.