WHY DO YOU NEED A RISK ASSESSMENT SURVEY?
Investing in safety and loss prevention is one of the best things an employer can do for his or her employees and company. Providing a safe workplace for employees is not only required by law, it’s also what every good employer strives to do. What business owner wouldn’t like to have a fresh set of eyes on his or her workplace, seeking out potential hazards so those risks can be eliminated?
Risk Management Options
Perhaps you have an employee who serves as your company’s safety representative in addition to his or her other duties, making sure you meet the basic OSHA standards for workplace safety. Or maybe you have a full-time safety manager who conducts safety training, handles OSHA 300 logs and assists employees in the event of a workplace injury.
One excellent option is to work with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), whose Risk Management and Loss Control department can provide a team of experts on safety, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, claims management and workers’ compensation.
Whatever your situation, periodic risk assessment is important. Two basic types of risk assessment surveys can be conducted by an off-site loss prevention representative: a “desktop” risk assessment, which typically is handled via phone or video conference, or an on-site risk assessment, conducted at your workplace.
Desktop Risk Assessment
There are distinct advantages to a desktop risk assessment: it’s simple and easy to conduct; it’s less time-consuming than an on-site risk assessment; it may be conducted in more than one session if need be; and it can be done very quickly when a need is identified. However, in the case of non-office environments (manufacturing, etc.), an on-site risk assessment should also be conducted as a follow-up.
Conducting only a desktop risk assessment presents some drawbacks, as some potential hazards cannot effectively be identified without seeing the worksite and talking with the employees who work there.
On-site Risk Assessment
An on-site risk assessment, typically conducted by a contracted Loss Prevention manager or your PEO’s Risk Management department, is much more in-depth and allows for both immediate feedback and comprehensive recommendations.
The loss prevention representative will conduct an initial evaluation of workplace hazards associated with your business operations and procedures, and evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures already in place.
WHY DO YOU NEED A RISK ASSESSMENT SURVEY?
During the risk assessment, he or she will tour all areas of your business, from your offices to production facilities (if applicable) and grounds, identifying possible hazards, talking with managers and workers, and making notes in order to provide formal recommendations. In the event of an OSHA complaint, inspection, or even legal action by an employee, a PEO’s risk management team is your best defense. Not only will you have documentation of safety training and other measures already in place, but the PEO’s risk management team will assist you throughout the entire process.
Workplace injuries happen every day. Minimize your employees’ – and your company’s – risk by working with a risk management and safety professional.