Risk Assessment Types

Risk assessment is the care full examination of anything, process, or behavior to evaluate the likelihood of any mishap and consequences as a result of the mishap. Risk assessment is always done for the forecastable risk with a deterministic approach to finding probabilistic results.

Risk assessment is always conducted by an experienced and responsible person by involving all stakeholders of the entity assessed. So, that its out should be based on common, industrial, and expert knowledge.

Risk assessment is a legislative requirement in some countries where Occupational health and safety low exist. For example, according to Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999), risk assessment is a legislative requirement in the UK, and employers are bound to arrange risk assessment on regular basis. Further risk assessment also helps an employer to align their direction to achieve their occupational health and safety goals and avoid any undue incident/accident. Through this article, we will explain what are the different types of risk assessment practices in different industries with examples, so that occupational health and safety professionals can understand different types of risk assessment and apply the relevant ones to assess their workplace.

There are five types of risk assessment as under;

1. Quantitative risk assessment

2. Qualitative Risk Assessment

3. Generic Risk Assessment

4. Site Specific Risk Assessment

5. Dynamic Risk Assessment 

Now we will explain each type of risk assessment one by one with help of facts, figures, and examples.

Quantitative Risk Assessment

Quantitative risk assessment is the type of risk assessment, where the assessor assigned numeric to calculate the overall impact of mishaps associated with hazard, activity, or behavior. For example, when we do a risk assessment of power generator noise hazards. We have different scales to define safe and unsafe levels and this level can be verified by using a sonometer (Noise measuring device). Here we can assign numbers for three different likelihood and consequence i.e 1 for unlikely; 2 for likely; and 3 for Certain, similarly for consequences 1 for Minor; 2 for Moderate; 3 for Major.

For instance, where the noise level is less than 85 dB the Likelihood is unlikely = 1 & Consequences are minor = 1 

For instance, where the noise level is greater than 85 dB but the operator wears an ear muff (PPE for noise control at the receiver) the Likelihood is likely = 2 & Consequences are Moderate = 2

For instance, where the noise level is more than 85 dB and the operator does not have an ear muff (PPE for noise control at the receiver) the Likelihood is certain = 1 & Consequences are major = 1

These assigned values can be used to calculate the risk impact of noise hazards associated with a power generator.

Qualitative Risk Assessment

Qualitative risk assessment is a type of risk assessment where the assessor defines the level of likelihood and consequences based on the fulfillment of defined procedures, guidelines, or safety systems or work. For example, for risk assessment of emergency response plan preparedness, the assessor needs to take decisions based on his institution, experience, and expertise. 

For instant if the emergency response plan is in place, well oriented, suitable, and sufficient then the likelihood of any failure is unlikely and the consequence minor. The total impact or estimated risk will be Low.

For instant, if the emergency response plan is in place, suitable and sufficient but not well oriented, then the likelihood of any failure is likely and consequence moderate. The total impact or estimated risk will be Medium.

For instant, if the emergency response plan is in place, well oriented, but not suitable and sufficient then the likelihood of any failure is certain, and the consequence is major. The total impact or estimated risk will be high.

Generic Risk Assessment

Generic risk assessment is a type of risk assessment where a macro scope of activities, location, or material is involved. In other words generic risk assessment is done in the first place to ascertain the site pacific risk assessment where required. It can be numeric-based or assumption based. For example, risk assessment of a warehouse where different location is assessed range from the storage area, transportation, load handing, staff welfare, ergonomics, emergency preparedness, and so on. 

Site Specific Risk Assessment

Site-specific risk assessment is an in-depth risk assessment where the assessor examines the risk of any activity or material in different situations undergone. For example, risk assessment of power tools can be different in different situations. The hazards associated with power tools can vary in a normal work shop and in a confined space. In site-specific risk assessment, environmental impact on a specific tool is considered. The risk assessment can be numeric or assumption based.

Dynamic Risk Assessment 

The dynamic risk assessment is a type of risk assessment where the assessor performed a need-based risk assessment. For example, a construction site has received multiple piles of raw material site, and the safety aspect of their staking and storage is required a dynamic risk assessment is done. Because, there is no time for formal risk assessment and the raw material is going to consume, and maybe the situation change in a while. Mostly, these types of risk assessments are done by site-specific staff also but the assessor must be competent to take decisions. 

Consequences of the wrong choice of Risk assessment type 

Below are the possible outcomes of the wrong selection of risk assessment type for assessing your target;

1. The risk assessment can be not suitable and insufficient

2. Certain Risks associated with the object/activity assessment are unattained and not catered 

3. False decisions based on the risk assessment can result in unwanted consequences  

4. Waste of effort, time, and finance 

5. Failed to stop incidents/accidents 

Conclusion

It is sum-up that risk assessment is an important tool to identify risks and mitigate them in time but the selection of risk type appropriate for the assessment of an object or activity is equally important to identify all forecastable risks and recommend controls.