Risk management professional presentations

Definitions of risk in risk management and insurance literature were reviewed with the expectation that they would be helpful. In summary, they emphasize the uncertainty or the lack of predictability concerning loss. It is a fundamental actuarial concept that risk implies uncertainty. But definitions of risk based on uncertainty do not communicate entirely the nature of risk for which safety professionals give counsel. I cannot conceive of safety professionals presenting themselves as consultants in uncertainty reduction. 

In theory, the IH is responsible for chemical, biological,physical, and radioactive health hazards within the work environment. In practice, no one individual can be an expert in all of these areas. Control of workplace health hazards has become so complex that in workplaces where most or all of these hazards are present, the management of these hazards is assigned to a team of occupational health professionals. Such a team might include an occupational physician, occupational nurse, safety professional, health physicist (radiation protection), and others. Workplaces with high-risk microbiological exposures may also employ biological safety professionals. 

To emphasize Safety professionals must understand that the definitions of terms for incident probability and severity and for risk levels vary greatly. Thus, they should tailor a risk assessment matrix to suit the hazards and risks and the management tolerance for risk with which they deal. Examples of the definitions used for incident probability and severity are presented here, as well as definitions for risk categories and risk assessment matrices. They are intended to provide safety professionals with a broad base of information from which choices can be made in developing the matrix considered appropriate for their clients needs. 

A composite is provided here of the procedures in place in three companies for design reviews and for a safety sign-off before new or modified equipment can be released into normal operations. These procedures serve to avoid bringing hazards and risks into the workplace. In a way, these requirements represent culture statements Managements have decided that hazards and risks are to be dealt with as equipment is designed, and before it can be placed in operation. This composite presents a basis for thought as safety professional pursue the adoption of similar concepts and procedures. 

Consider the difficulty that such a continuing deterioration in the safety culture presents to a safety professional. While obligated to bring to management s attention that the risk of serious injury and fatality was scaling upward as the culture continued to deteriorate, it is understandable that frustration would arise if the message conveyed was persistently ignored. 

To enable successful management of both fire and health and safety It Is vital to develop a solid base of understanding and the key elements that will provide a foundation upon which to build. For students and safety professionals alike the information presented in this book outlines the legal requirements and management considerations that will assist the reader to successfully minimise the risk of harm from fire in the workplace. 

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