2-2. Risk Assessment Procedures on the Factory Floor and Commonly Overlooked Points

Risk assessments at factory sites are essential to protecting the safety and health of workers. Conducting them is required at many workplaces under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, and conducting them effectively can prevent workplace injuries and accidents. However, if procedures become a mere formality or important risks are overlooked, the original purpose may not be achieved. Therefore, we will summarize the basic procedures and points to be aware of.

The basic steps for risk assessment are as follows:

1. Identifying the target tasks: Identify tasks that pose risks, such as machine operation, handling chemical substances, and transportation work.

2. Identifying hazards and harms: Clarifying the specific risks, such as falls, getting pinched, electric shock, and exposure to chemicals.

3. Risk estimation: Evaluate the frequency of occurrence and the extent of damage, and quantify or rank the magnitude of the risk.

4. Consideration of risk reduction measures: Prioritize risks in descending order and consider measures using a hierarchical approach, including avoidance, substitution, engineering measures, management measures, and the use of protective equipment.

5. Implementation and follow-up: We implement the measures we have decided on, regularly verify their effectiveness, and continue to make improvements.

However, there are several points that are often overlooked on-site. First, there are the risks associated with non-routine work. Although routine inspections and emergency response measures in the event of equipment trouble are more dangerous than regular work, they tend to be left out of the scope of the measures. Second, there are psychological and ergonomic risks. Although long working hours and work requiring excessive concentration are factors that can lead to accidents, they do not receive as much attention as physical risks. Third, there are risks associated with suppliers and workers from partner companies. Insufficient awareness of the hazards and rules when outside workers enter the factory can lead to accidents.

Furthermore, there are cases where risk assessments are completed as a one-time "paperwork." In reality, risk assessments must be reassessed if there are changes to work procedures or equipment, and assessments must always be tailored to the actual site. It is also important to share the assessment results with on-site workers and incorporate them into their daily work.

Risk assessment at the factory floor is not just a matter of complying with laws and regulations, but is a process that builds the foundation for a safety culture. To prevent oversights, it is essential to actively incorporate feedback from the workplace and to have an attitude of continuous review and improvement.