buy custom Risk Assessment Plan essay

buy custom Risk Assessment Plan essay Introduction There are potential risks both at the workplace and homes. Some risks can be identified and corrected easily, while others can cause life-threatening situations. However, a risk assessment plan provides a defense to identify and prevent hazards that can occur either at the workplace or at home. In addition, most risks occur at the workplace as a result of poor work practices. These practices include violating safe practices at the workplace, overloading and overcrowding, use of defective tools, and poor maintenance of tools and equipment. At any work place, the employees should report any risk to the supervisor to ensure it is fixed on time. Consequently, the supervisor has the responsibility to ensure that the all risks are eliminated. This paper aims at identifying a risk assessment plan for possible risks that occur at the work places. Potential Risks That Exist at the Workplace. The risks that occur at the workplace can be classified into physical, ergonomic, and chemical and biological hazards (Tillman, 2006). Physical Hazards Physical hazards are the most common risks that occur at most workplaces. They include risks from frayed electrical cords, loud noise, spills, and falls. High level of noise at the workplace is risky because it leads to communications difficulties and disturbances to peaceful mind (Tillman, 2006). The risk posed by loud noise occurs mostly in areas such as production areas and workshops. Therefore, it is important that the workers in this area use personal hearing protectors. In addition, loud noises can result from poor maintenance of tools and machinery. To avoid this risk, it is advisable to apply routine maintenance practices such as lubricating the moving parts (Spellman Bieber, 2011). Additionally, infrared electical wires pose a risk of shock when the person touches the unprotected wire. This risk can lead to more danger when a person uses water in a high voltage area. More to say, an electric shock can cause other conditions such as staggering and falling (Spellman Bieber, 2011). Overheated wires can cause sparking and fire. However, in case of electric shock, it is important to switch off the main switches to cut off the flow of current. An electrician should be consulted immediately to ensure all electrical wires are insulated. Attention must be paid when installing electrical devices to lower the risks due to wrong connections and overheating (Tillman, 2006). On the other hand, slipping occurs in situations where there is too little friction that it becomes challenging to maintain an upright posture. The risk is usually related to smooth and even surfaces (Lingard Rowlinson, 2005). It usually occurs in offices when performing duties such as washing and mopping. However, the risk can be reduced by wearing shoes with rough soles. It is useful to avoid detergents when washing such surfaces because they accelerate the rate of spilling. Furthermore, a falling hazard results from raised surfaces. It usually occurs when working above the working level or at unprotected edge and falling from ladders (Spellman Bieber, 2011). Chemical Hazards People can be exposed to hazardous agents in a number of ways. These include direct exposure to substances such as cleaning agents and paints. Secondly, substances generated during work activities such as fumes and smoke from welding have potential harmful effects (Gantt, 2009). On the other hand, hazards posed by biological agents such as bacteria may cause severe effects after a long exposure. Potential consequences of exposure to hazardous agents include skin irritation, loss of consciousness, and allergies (Detels, Gulliford, Karim, Tan, 2015). Chemical hazards occur and cause harm when inhaled, ingested, and after direct contact with the contaminated item. In addition, these hazards cause risks in different way (Detels et al., 2015). For example, a local risk affects only the exposed part, while a systemic effect spreads through the body. Although cumulative risks are not evident on its first exposure, in repeated exposure, they can cause severe effects (Gantt, 2009). The risks associated with chemical and biological hazards can be managed in the following ways. One should assess the risks of the hazardous substance before it is used by understanding the information on package labels that provide guidelines on safe handling and use. Safety precautions should be maintained to reduce the exposure of employees to chemical and biological agents (Detels et al., 2015). Secondly, the employers should ensure that control measures are used and maintained. This involves monitoring the exposure of employees to hazardous materials by carrying out appropriate health surveillance and ensuring that the employees are educated on necessary information, instructions, and training on chemical and biological agents (Gantt, 2009). Additionally, all organizations should take steps to prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents, and emergencies. In relation, such chemical and biological hazardous agents should be stored in a restricted area where they can be accessed by the authorized persons only. The employer must also have adequate information about properties and dangers of chemical agents (Lingard Rowlinson, 2005). In addition, chemical stores must be labeled clearly. Finally, they must be disposed of in a way that they will not pose any hazard to people. It is also recommendable to use personal protective devices against chemical exposure in situations where technical measures cannot reduce the risk. Devices such as gas masks, gloves, and gumboots should be efficiently protective and suitable for the work (Gantt, 2009). Buy custom Risk Assessment Plan essay