CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

AND ENGINEERING ETHICS

Chapter 3: Risk Assesment & OHS Management
System

Dr. zgr KYLOLU

Yeditepe University, Faculty of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department, Room: A-202A
E-mail: ozgur.koyluoglu@gmail.com

Accidents in Building Constructions

Fall from height and getting part of body caught into machinery are the
most prominent, [1]; followed by contact with electricity and hit by a
falling object.

Accidents in Road Constructions

Contact with construction machinery and site traffic accidents are the most
prominent, [1].

Accidents
in
Channel
Constructions
Slope stability accidents during excavation are the most prominent, followed
by fall from a height and hit by a falling material, [1].

Accidents in Tunnel Constructions

Hit by a falling object is the most prominent followed by explosive accidents,

followed by falling from a height [1].

Root Causes of Construction

Accidents[2]
Inadequate construction planning
Lack of proper training
Deficient enforcement of training
Unsafe equipment
Unsafe methods or sequencing
Unsafe site conditions
Not using safety equipment that was provided

Risk Assesment
Definitions:

Hazard is the potential to do harm or damage when

combined with a trigger mechanism[2]

Risk is the probability of a hazard-related incident

occuring, measured by the severity of harm or damage [2]

Health and Safety Risk Assesment is identifying the

hazards that may cause harm to people in a workplace
and deciding whether reasonable steps are taken to
prevent that harm[3].

Considerations in Risk Assesment

Risk Assesment is required by Law (#6331 in TR, Management
of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999 in UK). It helps
to check if all measures are taken at the workplace [3]. The factors
that should be considered are defined in the Law (#6331) as:

Status of employee who will be exposed to risks

Selection of the equipment and materials
Organization and layout of the workspace
Status of employee who require a special policy such as
young/old/pregnant, maternal employee and status of women
employee

How to Carry Out Risk Assesment

Steps to carry out Risk Assessment are[3]:

Identifying the hazards

Deciding who might be harmed and how
Evaluating the risks and deciding on precautions
Recording the significant findings
Reviewing the assessment and updating if necessary

Identifying the Hazards

To identify the hazards, list of work has to be reviewed. This can
be done by doing the following [3]:

Reviewing the layout plans and the project details

Checking the manufacturers instructions
Records of accident and ill-health on past experience
Walking on site
Brainstorming with other engineers and workers
Considering non-routine operations like maintenance, etc.
Refer to publications on occupational health and safety hazards

Deciding Who Might Be Harmed

and How
Special requirements for different group of people[3]:

New and young workers

Migrant workers
New or expectant mothers
People with disabilities
Temporary workers
Contractors
Those working on his behalf

Evaluate the Risks and Decide on

Precautions
Understand the main risks and make sure you manage
them responsibly. Generally, you need to do everything
reasonably practicable [3]. For classification, risk
matrices similar to the below example[5] can be used.

Risk Rating (3x3 matrix)[6]

Risk Rating (5x5 matrix )[7]

Risk Rating for OSH[18]

Estimate Injury Severity

Severe-Death or serious debilitating long-term injury such as

amputation or coma
Serious-Permanent or nonreversible injury that severely
impact enjoyment of life and may require continued
treatment
Moderate-Permanent or reversible minor injury that does not
significantly impact enjoyment of life, but requires medical
treatment.
Slight-Reversible injury requiring simple medical treatment
with no confinement

Risk Rating for OSH[18]

Estimate Probability of Hazardeous Event

High- Very likely to occur, protective measures are nearly

worthless
Medium-Occurrence is likely. The frequency of control
measures is significant or control measures are inadequate
Moderate-Occurrence is possible, but not likely
Low- Occurrence is so unlikely as to be considered nearly
zero.

Risk Assesment Matrix for OSH[18]

Severity
Probability

Severe

Serious

Moderate

Slight

High

High

High

Medium

Low

Medium

High

Moderate

Medium

Low

Low

Low

Low

Medium

Low

Low

Low

Negligible

Negligible Negligible

Evaluate the Risks and Decide on

Precautions
Some practical precautions:

Finding a less risky option

Preventing access to the hazard
Organizing work to reduce exposure to hazard
Issuing protective equipment
Providing welfare facilities such as first aid and washing
facilities
Involve workers so that the measures will work in practice.

Record Your Significant Findings

Make a record of your significant findings;

The hazards
How people might be harmed
What you have in place to control the risks
Risk Assessment Templates can be used for such
records.

Risk Assessment Template by

Health and Safety Executive, UK[3]
What are Who might What are you
the
be harmed already doing?
hazards? and how?

Do you need Action by Action Done

to do anything who?
by
else to control
when?
this risk?

Slips and Staff and

trips
visitors may
be injured if
they trip
over objects
or slip on
spillages.

Better
housekeeping
in staff kitchen
needed, eg on
spills.

General good
housekeeping is
carried out.
All areas well lit,
including stairs.
No trailing leads
or cables.
Staff keep work
areas clear, eg
no boxes
left in walkways,
deliveries stored
immediately.

All staff,
From
xx/xx/xx
supervisor now on
to monitor
Manager
xx/xx/xx
xx/xx/xx

Arrange for
loose carpet tile
on second floor
to be
repaired/replac
ed.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/record-your-findings-and-implement-

Risk Assessment Template[8]

Class Work : Prepare a Risk Assessment

Template for Yeditepe University Campus

Risk Assesment Example[10]

Review Your Risk Assesment and

Update if Necessary
Workplaces change; new equipment, new substances, new
procedures may lead to new hazards. Therefore review of
risk assesment is necessary. This can be done on the following
basis:

Periodic review of the assesment

Due to significant changes in the workplace
May need improvements in the assessment
Workers may have spotted a problem
Learning from accidents or near misses
Make sure your risk assesment stays up to date.

Risk Management
Risk Management is the process of weighing policy alternatives and
selecting the most appropriate regulatory action based on the results
of risk assesment and social, economic and political concerns [9]. Risk
Management includes Risk Avodiance and Risk Mitigation measures:

Risk Avoidance / Controls

Preparation of emergency plans, fire-fighting, first-aid
Regular emergency drill applications
Periodic controls/measurements to avoid accidents

Risk Mitigation / Incident Management

Suspension of works in case of emergency and application of
measures for limitation of hazards
Evacuation of the workers in accordance with the evacuation plan

Emergency Action Plans

An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a written document required
by OSHA law/regulations. Minimum information to include[11]:
Means of reporting fires and other emergencies
Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route
assignments
Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to
operate critical plant operations before they evacuate
Procedures to account for all employees after and emergency
evacuation has been completed
Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to
perform them
Names or job titles of persons who can be contacted for
further information or explanation of duties under the plan.

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Emergency Action Plan (Example)[12]

Fire Fighting Action Plan[13]

Fire Fighting Action Plan[13]

Evacuation Plan[14]

Evacuation Plan[15]

First Aid Action Plan[16]

Controls to Avoid Accidents

Control

of pressurized equipments and

compressors
Control of transporters & lifters
Control of electricity grounding for machinery
and equipment
Control of electricity infrastructure
Measurement of noise
Measurement of thermal conditions (heat,
moisture, wind)
Measurement of illumination level
Measurement of hazardous gases and suspended
soil

Health and Safety Management

System[17]
Organizations must be able to tackle occupational safety and
health challenges continuously and build effective responses
into dynamic management strategies.

The Occupational Safety and Management Systems provide a

systematic approach to achieve safe working environments.

Occupational safety and health, including compliance with

OSH requirements of national laws and regulations, are the
responsibility and duty of the employer.

The employer should show stron leadership and commitment

to OSH acitvities in the organization and make approporaite
arrangements to establish an OSH management system.

Main Elements of the OSH

Management System[17]

Main Elements of the OSH

Management System

1. Policy[3]

.OHSA Policy

Worker participation

Health and safety policy

(Nameof company)

This is the statement of general policy and arrangements for:

(Nameof Employer/Senior manager)
(Member of staff)
Statement of general policy

has overall and fnal responsibility for health and safety

has day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice

Responsibility of:
Name/Title

Action/Arrangements (What are you going to do?)

Prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health by

managing the health and safety risks in the workplace
Provide clear instructions and information, and adequate
training, to ensure employees are competent to do their work
Engage and consult with employees on day-to-day health
and safety conditions
Implement emergency procedures evacuation in case of
fire or other significant incident. You can find help with your
fire risk assessment at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-firesafety-your-responsibilities
Maintain safe and healthy working conditions, provide and
maintain plant, equipment and machinery, and ensure safe
storage/use of substances
Signed: * (Employer)

You should review your policy if you think it might no longer be valid, eg if circumstances
change.
If you have fewer than five employees, you dont have to write down your policy.
Health and safety law poster is displayed at (location)
First-aid box is located:
Accident book is located:

Date:

Main Elements of the OSH

Management System
2. Organizing

Responsibility and accountability

Competence and training
Occupational safety and health management system
documentation (policy&objectives, roles&responsibilities,
hazards&risks, records of injuries, ill-health, diseases,
incidents, exposures, worker health surveillance,
monitoring)

Communication

Main Elements of the OSH

Management System
3. Planning and Implementation

Initial review (laws&regulations, risk assesment, control

risks, provide a baseline for measurement)

System planning, development and implementation (a clear

definition,
priority
setting&quantification;
clear
performance criteria indicating what is to be done, by whom
and when; measurement criteria; provision of adequate
human&financial resources and technical support)

Occupational safety and health objectives (measurable,

realistic and achievable objectives; documented and
communicated to all levels of organization)

Main Elements of the OSH

Management System[17]
3. Planning and Implementation

Hazard prevention
Prevention and control measures for hazards/risks (eliminate;
control at source through engineering controls or
organizational measures; minimize by designing safe work
systems including administrative control measures; if cannot
be controlled provide protective equipments)
Management of change (staffing, procedures, organizational
structure, work methods, materials, machinery, process;
training and informing all affected members)
Emergency prevention, preparedness and response
(information-communication-coordination
in
case
of
emergency; links with emergency response services; first-aid,
firefighting and evacuation systems; trainings&exercise

Main Elements of the OSH

Management System[17]
3. Planning and Implementation

Hazard prevention
Procurement (compliance with OSH requirements)
Contracting (OSH criteria in selecting contractors;
coordination with contractor to communicate provisions;
arrangememnts for reporting incidents of contractors
workers; training contractors; monitoring contractors
OSH activities; making sure OSH procedures are folowed
by the contractor)

Main Elements of the OSH

Management System[17]
4. Evaluation

Performance monitoring and measurement (Procedures

to monitor)
Active monitoring (measure and record OSH performance;
systematic inspection of work systems, plants, equipments;
surveillance of work environment, workers health,
compliance with regulations)
Reactive moitoring (identification, reporting and
investigation of work-related injuries, ill health, diseases,
incidents, damages to property, OSH management system
failures, workers rehabilitation and health restoration
progarmmes)

Main Elements of the OSH

Management System[17]
4. Evaluation

Investigation of work-related injuries, ill-health, diseases

and incidents, and their impact on safety and heath
performance (investigation team; communicating the
investigation results to the health committee; corrective
actions; investigations by external agencies)

Audit (Audit of the whole system by a competent

independent internal/external auditor)

Management

review
(reuslts
of
investigations,
performance monitoring and measurement and audits;
additional inputs such as changes affecting OSH system)

Main Elements of the OSH

Management System[17]
5. Action for Improvement

Preventive and corrective action (Arrangements for preventive

and corrective actions including; identifying and analysing
root causes of any non-conformities with regulations or OSH
management system and initiating, planning, implementing,
checking
the
effectiveness
and
documenting
corrective&preventive action)

Continual improvement (Arrangements to take into account

OSH objectives, results of risk assesments, results of
performance
monitoring&measurements,
investigations&audits, management review, recommendations
from all members of the organization, changes in
laws&regulations, new information, results of health protection
and promotion programmes)

References
1. naat Sektrmzdeki Balca Kazas Tipleri, Do.Dr. M. Uur Mngen, naat
Mhendisleri Odas, TMH-469-2011/5.

2. Johann F. Szautner, P.E., P.L.S., Construction Accidents, presentation, Cowan

Associates, Inc.

3. Contolling the Risks in the Workplace, Helath and Safety Executive, www.hse.gov.uk
4. Canpolat Ceran, Mehmet Ceran, 6331 Sayl Sal ve Gvenlii Kanunu
Bilgilendirme Semineri, Ankara Serbest Muhasebeci Mali Mavirler Meslekte Birlik
Dernei.

5. http://www.onsafelines.com/pp1e06.png
6. https://wiki.smu.edu.sg/is480/img_auth.php/1/15/ Risk_rating.png
7. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nmvR2dOf5AQ/TFZLg7OwssI/AAAAAAAAABM/K_TDkw
MoLxY/s1600/Risk%20Matrix.bmp

8. http://www.wordstemplates.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Risk-AssessmentTemplate.jpg

9. http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/155756 /
10. http://thedigitalmuse.net/piceenp/health-and-safety-risk-assessment-form-template

References
11. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/ eap.html
12. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-101/emrgact/ emrgact.pdf
13. http://web.princeton.edu/sites/emergency/EAPTemplate.doc
14. http
://www.realserve.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/EVAC-SAM
PLE-2.
gif

15. http://www.evacuation.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/
Tavern.jpg

16. http://scarrott.global2.vic.edu.au/files/2014/05/image-2871a99. jpg

17. Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management
Systems, ILO-OSH 2001, International Labor Office, 2001.

18. http://www.slideshare.net/complianceandsafety/dfcs2to4hour-01?re
lated=1