Page 1167 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 437

20 November 2014

Site Specific Risk Assessments

Please see enclosed a bulletin regarding site specific risk assessments (or as this article calls them, point
of work risk assessments).

We have a comprehensive set of risk assessments / JSA’s for all the tasks that we carry out, however
due to the nature of our work it is not possible or practicable for these to cover every possible hazard
that could be found on a site. We have therefore adapted the clearance certificates to include a page
where a detailed site specific risk assessment can be carried out and documented.

It is important that you talk with the site representative and any other contractor on site to understand
any hazards on site that the site / contractor may be aware of, and to make them aware of any hazards
you may be introducing to the site. All hazards you find should be documented on the clearance
certificate and the risk and control measures for each hazard considered and also documented.

When considering control measures, be aware of the hierarchy of control measures:
• Eliminate
• Reduce
• Isolate
• Control
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Discipline
Wherever practicable you should attempt to eliminate the hazard, e.g. can you do the work from ground
level to remove the hazard of work at height? Can you start work from the opposite elevation to
prevent working near other contractors?
It is easy to just say you will wear PPE for all tasks, but other control measures should be considered,
with PPE as the last (but still essential) line of protection for you.

If you are not clear on any of our processes, or have any suggestions for improvement, please contact
your line manager.

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has
been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works
for us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for us to share health and safety information, please let us know.
Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!