Occupational risk assessment is obligatory for every employer, which results directly from the provisions of the Labour Code. Moreover, the legislator imposes the obligation to document the occupational risk related to the performed work and to apply necessary preventive measures reducing it, as well as the obligation to inform the employee about the existing risk and established procedures and rules of protection against the existing risks.
What is occupational risk?
Legal occupational risk is defined in the Regulation of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of 26 September 1997 on general provisions of occupational health and safety (consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2003, No. 169, item 1650, as amended). According to § 2, occupational risk is “the probability of the occurrence of undesirable events related to the work performed, causing losses, in particular the occurrence of adverse health effects in employees as a result of occupational hazards occurring in the work environment or the way the work is performed”. The risk is borne by the employee and is the result of his or her work.
Who carries out the risk assessment?
Occupational risk assessment in small enterprises can be performed by the entrepreneur himself, it can be done by an occupational health and safety specialist employed in the company, or it can be commissioned by an external expert. The decision who will carry out the risk assessment should be made by the employer after consultation with the employees. It is important that the assessor has the competence and knowledge to identify risks and hazards and to identify their source. They must also be familiar with all procedures and standards appropriate to their specific operating conditions. It may also be appropriate to provide for the participation of an occupational doctor.
What is the purpose of risk assessment?
The main objective of risk assessment is to ensure safe working conditions for workers and to protect their life and health. It certainly facilitates the planning and implementation of the actions needed to achieve these objectives. The aim must always be to reduce the risk to the lowest level that can be achieved economically and technically.
Text developed in cooperation with risk assessment specialists – Progres.
Occupational risk assessment in small enterprises
