Risk assessment

The basic steps of risk assessment are as follows:

  1. What are the hazards involved in:
    1. The journey e.g. Road types, Distance, Time allocated to travelling, Time of travel (high risk hours), Weather conditions, Speed limits and Familiarity with the route.
    2. The vehicle e.g. Maintenance, Distractions e.g. mobile phones/mobile data terminals, Familiarity with the vehicle, Loads to be carried, Safety specifications e.g. driver and passenger airbags, ABS, EuroNCAP star rating, Defect identification and correction, Mechanical defect, Potential for injury e.g. from mobile phone mounting
    3. The driver e.g. Age, Experience, Training, Competence and attitude, Stress/ fatigue, Health and fitness, Alcohol and drugs, Selection - qualified and assessed.
  2. How likely is it that the hazard will happen?
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
  3. What are the consequences of the potential hazard?
    • High consequence e.g. death, prosecutions, loss of contracts or company reputation
    • Medium consequence e.g. major injury, staff or vehicle down time and replacement costs, accident investigation and management time
    • Low consequence e.g. minor injury, paperwork and administration

Table

How should the risks be reduced?