Individual risk assessments have an important role to play in identifying high-potential risks.
The Take 5 personal safety planning tool currently in use at our steelmaking coal operations is an example of an individual-level risk assessment that is helping employees form the habit of taking the time to assess workplace risks before they begin a task.
When they complete a Take 5, employees ask themselves a series of questions under five prompts:
- Stop
- Am I clear on what the task is?
- Do I have the required skills and training?
- Is this task routine?
- Think
- Do I need a permit?
- Could work conditions change that may introduce new High-Potential Risks during the task?
- Are there other workers involved/introduced who are unfamiliar to the task?
- Could my task seriously injure myself or other people?
- Observe
- What High-Potential Risks may I encounter in my work environmental or as I undertake this task?
- Plan
- How will I control the High-Potential Risks?
- Proceed Safely
- Does this task feel right to do now?
If yes, proceed. If no, do not commence task and contact supervisors if effective controls are not in place.
