RISK ASSESSMENT BRIEFLY

A “risk assessment” is intended to be a careful examination of what, in
the nature of operations, could cause harm, so that decisions can be made as to
whether enough precautions have been taken or whether more should be done
to prevent harm.
The aim is to minimise accidents and ill health on board ship.

The assessment should first establish the hazards that are present at
the place of work and then identify the significant risks arising out of the work
activity. The assessment should include consideration of the existing
precautions to control the risk, such as permits to work, restricted access and
use of warning signs or personal protective equipment.

Any risk assessment must address risks to the health and safety of
workers. Advice on assessment in relation to the use of personal protective
equipment, the use of equipment and manual handling operations are given.
 In addition, specific areas of work involving significant
risk, and recommended measures to address.

 Risk assessment in practice

 There are no fixed rules about how risk assessment should be
undertaken, The assessment
will depend on the type of ship, the nature of operations and the type and
extent of the hazards and risks. The intention is that the process should be
simple, but meaningful.