Risk assessment 101: How to evaluate and improve your safeguards

摘要

When it comes to evaluating machine safeguards, people are usually asked: "Are there hazards? Yes/ No" and "Is it safe? Yes/No." These are complex questions that should not be resolved with a simple Yes/No answer. Instead, firms should conduct risk assessments to determine how effective their current safeguarding system is and how it can be improved. First, assemble a team to conduct the assessment, not only to reduce the effects of personal biases but also to ensure that the assessment is comprehensive. Ideally, team members will have experience with the equipment from different perspectives (i.e. machine operator, maintenance worker, etc.). Before starting the assessment, make sure the team knows that it is to consider what the worst-case scenario would be if there were no safeguards in place.