Pre-Work Risk Assessment

A Pre-Work Risk Assessment identifies, analyzes, and controls hazards before tasks begin. These assessments are essential for preventing incidents, ensuring compliance, and fostering a safety-first culture. In sensitive environments like healthcare facilities, they protect workers, visitors, and building occupants.

Learn more about the psychology behind these assessments in our blog: The Psychology of Pre-Work Risk Assessments.

Pre-work risk assessments are crucial because they:

• Spot Hazards Early: Identify potential dangers before work starts.

• Improve Team Buy-In: Engaging workers helps foster a culture of shared responsibility for safety.

• Prevent Incidents: Minimize risks and ensure everyone gets home safely.

   

Understanding and addressing psychological barriers, like complacency and time pressure, can improve team participation. Learn how to overcome resistance: The Psychology of Pre-Work Risk Assessments.

A comprehensive assessment includes:

1. Scope of Work: Description of planned activities.

2. Hazard Identification: Potential risks associated with the environment and tasks.

3. Mitigation Measures: Steps to minimize or eliminate risks, such as PPE or modified procedures.

4. Team Input: Feedback from workers to ensure practical and effective safety measures.

5. Ongoing Monitoring: Regular checks to ensure controls remain in place.

    

Including worker input can improve practical implementation and buy-in, as highlighted in our blog.

Pre-work risk assessments should be conducted:

• Daily or pre-shift: Before starting work.

• After Changes: When tasks, personnel, or environmental conditions shift.

Making them part of the daily routine builds a safety-focused culture and ensures risks are consistently addressed.

Team buy-in is crucial for effective pre-work risk assessments. Strategies include:

• Involve the Team: Seek input on job site hazards and safety measures.

• Provide Training: Ensure workers understand the benefits and process of risk assessments.

• Communicate Value: Share real-world examples of how risk assessments prevent injuries.

• Recognize Safety Efforts: Acknowledge workers who prioritize safety.

Learn more about overcoming resistance and building a culture of safety in our blog: The Psychology of Pre-Work Risk Assessments.