Residual risk in health and safety refers to the degree of risk left behind after all reasonable steps have been implemented to eliminate or reduce the identified hazards. This is the “leftover” risk that still exists when controls, including engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE, and training, have already been applied.
Residual risk should not be confused with inherent risk:
- Inherent risk is the risk level before controls are put in place, while;
- Residual risk is the leftover risk after control has been implemented.
Understanding and managing residual risk is important in ensuring workplace safety because no system is free from risks, and there could be a chance of hazard in some form.
Businesses can calculate residual risk by using the following formula:
Inherent risk − impact of risk controls = residual risk
Why is Residual Risk Important?
Understanding residual risk helps an organization:
- Make informed decisions on the acceptability of risks
- Use resources efficiently to further reduce those risks where necessary
- Enhance a safety culture by recognizing the presence of possible hazards and actively managing them
- Though often inevitable, residual risk can be minimized through hard work and continuous safety improvement in many cases.
Key Elements of Residual Risk
1. Initial Risk vs. Residual Risk
Initial Risk: The level of risk before controls are applied which can also be termed inherent risk.
Residual Risk: The level of risk after controls are applied.
2. Risk Assessment and Control
Residual risk is identified through an appropriate risk assessment process involving:
- Identify the hazards
- Assess the probability and severity of those hazards
- Eliminate or control hazards to reduce risks
- Evaluate remaining risks after controls are implemented
Examples of Residual Risks in Health and Safety
1. Slipping on a Cleaned Floor
A company cleans its floors every day to eliminate any form of dirt and water, which may cause slipping.
- Controls: Cleaning schedules, wet floor signs, and non-slip mats.
- Residual Risk: Even with the above controls in place, someone may slip due to unobserved spillages, wet shoes, or hurrying employees.
2. Chemical Exposure in a Laboratory
Workers are exposed to dangerous chemicals within a lab.
- Controls Measures: Ventilation systems, fume hoods, safety goggles, gloves, and training.
- Residual Risk: There is a residual risk if the ventilation fails, equipment malfunctions or PPE is used or damaged improperly.
3. Construction Site Working at Heights
Workers work at heights on scaffolding or ladders.
- Control Measures: Guardrails, fall arrest systems, harnesses, and worker training.
- Residual Risk: With these controls, also the risks remain either by human error-for example harnesses used incorrectly- or through sudden weather conditions or equipment breakdowns.
4. Office Building Fire
A company installed fire alarms, extinguishers as well as emergency exits
- Control Measures: Fire drill exercised, fire equipment is inspected and electrical safety audits are performed.
- Residual Risk: Undetected electrical fault or negligence by humans or failure of firefighting equipment may also lead to a fire.
5. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Manufacturing
Workers are working amidst very noisy machinery in the factory.
- Control Measures: Noise-reducing barriers, regular machinery maintenance, and mandatory earplugs or earmuffs.
- Residual Risk: The possibility of hearing damage can’t be eliminated due to improper use of ear protection, length of exposure, or unexpected peaks in noise levels.
Managing Residual Risk
- Communication: Ensure all employees are informed about residual risks and their role in the control of those risks.
- Monitoring and Review: Regularly monitor the effectiveness of control measures and review risks periodically or after changes in the workplace.
- Emergency Preparedness: Prepare contingency plans for risks that cannot be eliminated.
- Continuous Improvement: Seek opportunities for further reduction of residual risk over time through technological upgrades, improved procedures, and employee training.
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