Revolutionizing Risk Management: Unmasking the Truth About Safety Controls
The effectiveness of your controls is paramount. But what constitutes a control? Is an induction process a control? How about an isolation procedure or training?
If you find yourself answering ‘Yes’ to these questions, it’s time to pause and reassess, for your risk management process might be in trouble.
Defining True Controls
Controls should be tangible and actionable. They should be an Act, Object, or a System that is specific, measurable, auditable, and relevant to the risk at hand.
If a control doesn’t meet these criteria, can it truly be considered a control?
How can we claim to control risk if we cannot precisely articulate how we prevent it from materialising?
A Widespread Issue
Our extensive review of risk assessments across various organisations reveals a troubling trend: 100% have shown significant issues with their controls, and alarmingly, several of these assessments were for Fatal Risks.
Take, for example, a Bowtie Analysis for Working at Heights, where a staggering 40% of the controls were found to be deficient, some of which were Critical Controls.
The Ripple Effect of Inadequate Controls
The implications of not having proper controls are serious:
- Blind to True Risks: Your organisation is likely underestimating the level of risk, resulting in a higher incidence of incidents than anticipated.
- Frontline Workers in the Dark: There’s a lack of clarity among frontline workers about the necessary controls to prevent harm.
- Compromised Critical Controls: Your most crucial safeguards are not as robust as they need to be, increasing the likelihood of fatal incidents.
Taking Action: A Call to Review
So, what’s the next step?
Start by reviewing the controls in your 10 most important risk assessments. Ask yourself, “Could I audit this control based on its current description?”
This exercise will provide a clear picture of the health of your controls and highlight areas that require immediate attention.
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered
If time is of the essence, we’re here to help.
We are offering a free review of your controls, and we’ll get back to you with our findings within 2 business days. All you need to do is click the link and send us your risk assessments – click here!
In Conclusion: Your Thoughts Matter
These are our insights, but we want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on this critical aspect of safety?
Thank you for taking the time to read, and helping us make a safer workplace.