Introduction
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) and Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) are interdependent processes essential for employee safety and management of risks. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment allows the management to prevent workplace incidents which becomes a foolproof system when combined with OHSMS.
Without HIRA, leadership may overlook critical risks and lead to unsafe working conditions. This can lead to non-compliance with regulatory standards and other financial losses hampering the reputation of a company. Read on to learn more about HIRA full form, OHSMS and other essential factors that ensure employee safety.
What Is an Occupational Health and Safety Management System?
The Occupational Health and Safety Management System is a framework of policies used to protect employees. Hazards are minimized and workplace risks are reduced as policies and processes are tailored to ensure safety.
Each OHSMS is unique, aligning with legal requirements and business operations while addressing specific hazards. Medical response teams, timely incident reporting and investigation systems and maintaining inventory of safety tools are the most essential for a workforce to work in hazardous conditions.
Key components of occupational health and safety management systems are framing safety rules, conducting regular inspections, making emergency plans and consistently training employees to maintain a safe working environment.
What is HIRA?
HIRA full form, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment is an essential component of occupational health and safety management systems. HIRA is a qualitative risk assessment method essential for an organization. It enables the management to assess risks, control risks, identify potential hazards and frame appropriate safety control policies.
HIRA has five main components, also called the hierarchy of controls. These controls offer a structured approach to minimising workplace hazards by ranking safety measures from most to least effective. They are eradication of risks, replacement of outdated procedures and potential risks, required design modifications, better management strategies and providing appropriate safety gear.
6 Ways HIRA Enhances Occupational Health and Safety Management System
The following 6 ways demonstrate how an occupational health and safety management system functions more effectively when paired with a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment system.
- Supports Proactive Risk Management
Timely risk identification is the most important step of risk prevention. Occupational health and safety management systems allow convenient risk mitigation that is appropriate and effective as per the size of the organisation. HIRA ensures that steps for risk management are aligned with workplace safety objectives.
- Better Transparency and Consistency
HIRA when combined with a health and safety management system offers a structured process of controls. With the help of systematic and thorough documentation, transparency of operations can be achieved. Safety training programs, emergency drills and fatigue management programs ensure consistency.
- Creates a Positive Working Culture
Employees of various levels and multiple departments are engaged to gain perspective. This improves the decision-making process of the leadership and fosters a positive working environment. With a foolproof occupational health and safety management system, a positive working culture is created that allows better safety outcomes.
- Lowers Chances of Overhead Costs
HIRA can effectively evaluate potential areas of business losses. Domains such as health and safety, production, environment, public liability and product liability are covered by the system. When combined with an occupational health and safety management system, an organization can avail the benefits of a comprehensive hazard management system.
- Maintains Reputation in Industry
HIRA systematically identifies and manages workplace risks. A proactive safety culture demonstrates the commitment to employee well-being and also ensures compliance with national and international safety laws. Accidents and liabilities reduce drastically which adds to the reputation of a company.
- Adheres to Regulatory Compliance
By identifying and assessing risks at the right time, an organization can reduce the likelihood of violations. Payment of fines or chances of any legal actions ensure that a legally compliant work environment is created. The best occupational health and management system software keeps the management aware of the latest trends regarding hazard control and disaster avoidance.
- Enhances Employee Productivity
With proper measures taken to ensure employee well-being, the workforce can work efficiently. Proper alarm systems, fireproof suits, respiratory protection tools, insulated boots and other similar tools improve employee performance. Emergency preparedness and response systems make the working of employees better and faster.
Conclusion
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) and Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) are interdependent processes essential for the smooth functioning of an organization. Risk identification, establishing a proper warning system to avoid disasters and reducing any overhead costs are essential functions performed by these systems. An organisation can establish its reputation as a trustworthy workplace for employees and also maintain its reputation in the industry. Therefore, HIRA and OHSMS are indispensable for the smooth functioning of an organization and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. 1 What are the 3 main categories of hazard control?
Answer: The 3 most essential categories of hazard control are eradication of hazards from the workplace; replacement of hazardous objects or practices; making required changes to equipment and altering engineering controls.
Q. 2 What is the full form of PPE in safety?
Answer: PPE in terms of health and safety management stands for Personal Protective Equipment. PPE kits are used for minimising exposure to hazardous chemicals or protecting oneself from biological and chemical hazards.
Q. 3 What are the 3 main kinds of hazards at a workplace?
Answer: Hazards are generally grouped into three main categories, namely, chemical hazards (toxic fumes, other substances), biological hazards (growth of mould, viruses, bacteria etc) and physical (loud noises, exposure to extreme heat and falls).
Q. 4 Which ISO standard specifies the requirements of occupational health and safety management systems?
Answer: ISO 45001 specifies requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety Management System. The standard offers a systematic approach to hazard identification, risk mitigation and various ways of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
