Description

This unit covers the competency required to identify and assess risk in preparation for the treatment of that risk.

This competency would normally apply to personnel working at a relatively simple and routine level, in which they use established organisational policy and procedures. Personnel would normally have local supervisory/management responsibility and apply known solutions to a variety of predicable problems.

The unit covers the first four steps of the risk management process and provides the skills and knowledge required to conduct a risk assessment. It does not deal with the treatment of risk; this is covered in the unit PUAEMR006A Treat risk at an operational level.

Pre/Co-Requisites

Pre-requisite units:

• Nil

Co-requisite units:

• PUAEMR006B Treat risk at an operational level

Performance Criteria

1. Establish the risk context
1.1. Aims, objectives, scope and boundaries of the risk assessment are clearly defined in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
1.2. Risk evaluation criteria is identified and confirmed as contained in organisational policies, procedures or supervisors’ guidance
1.3. Structure for the planning required to conduct a risk assessment is determined
1.4. Aims and objectives of stakeholders are identified and recorded in accordance with workplace procedures and guidelines

2. Identify risk
2.1. All possible sources of risk which may impact on the situation or objectives are identified and recorded in accordance with workplace procedures and guidelines
2.2. Sources of risk are identified from the perspective of all stakeholders
2.3. Risks are identified using a specified methodology or tool in accordance with workplace procedures and guidelines
2.4. Stakeholders are consulted during the risk identification process to finalise a list of risks

3. Analyse risk
3.1. Potential consequence of a risk and the likelihood of that consequence are estimated
3.2. Risks are analysed using a specified method or tool in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
3.3. Levels of risk are determined, documented and communicated in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4. Evaluate risk
4.1. Levels of risk are prioritised for treatment
4.2. Calculated level of risk is compared to the established risk evaluation criteria, and communicated to supervisors
4.3. Risks are monitored and reviewed until appropriate treatment measures have been implemented

Key Competencies

Communicating ideas and information

• Communicate ideas and information to reporting procedures (verbal and written) 

Collecting analysing and organising information

• Collect, organise and understand information related to recognising and reporting situations

 Planning and organising activities 

• Plan and organise activities which implement and follow standard procedures 

Working with others and in teams

• Work with others and in a team by assisting and cooperating with team members 

Using mathematical ideas and techniques 

• Use mathematical ideas and techniques to document and report numbers for emergency procedures

Solving problems 

• Establish diagnostic processes which recommend improvements for OH&S issues

Using technology 

• Use workplace technology related to the use of technology to assist with safe work practices

Range Statement

Risks that may impact on objectives may include

• Actual events
• Conflict
• Economic
• Environmental
• Financial
• Human behaviour
• Political circumstances
• Safety
• Security
• Technical

Organisational policies and procedures may include

• Australian Standard AS/NZS 4360
• Commonwealth and state/territory legislative requirements eg OHS Act, Industry standards and codes of practice
• Organisational charter/business plan

Structure must include

• identifying Amount of documentation required
• Analysis tools which are required to conduct the assessment
• Approach taken to conduct the assessment
• Depth of assessment

Stakeholders may include

• Those people, organisations and other interested parties (both internal and external) who may affect, be affected by, or perceive themselves to be affected by, a decision or activity

Specified methods or tools may be

• Qualitative
• Quantitative
• Semi-quantitative
• Or a combination of the three

Specified methods or tools may include

• A risk matrix
• Analysis of risk registers
• Brainstorming
• Business continuity planning
• Examining any available data eg audit results/incident reports
• Expert judgement
• Focus groups
• Nomogram
• Scenario analysis
• SWOT analysis

Evidence Guide

Critical Aspects of Evidence

• Assessment must confirm the ability to define and identify risk language, definitions and terminology. Evidence must also be provided of stakeholder’s involvement throughout the process and that an informed analysis of the risks has been undertaken using tools and methodology approved by the organisation

Underpinning Knowledge

• Aims and objectives of the task
• Organisational policies, procedures and guidelines
• Risk management terminology and language in accordance with relevant standards (risk, hazard, risk assessment, risk management and risk treatment)
• Specified methods or tools endorsed by an organisation and provided for use in the identification and analysis of risk
• Team work principles and strategies
• Techniques for giving and receiving feedback in a constructive manner
• Techniques for supporting others
• Techniques/methods used to identify or analyse information
• Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening
• Written communication to a level required to complete workplace forms and reports

Underpinning Skills

• Analytical and probing
• Communicate with stakeholders and convey information, including:
  • clarifying
  • listening
  • paraphrasing
  • questioning
  • summarising
• Critically evaluate an operational situation by listening, observing and clarifying information with supervisor
• Follow instructions/directives and report information
• Interpersonal
• Make notes of observations
• Participate in the team
• Problem solving skills for a defined range of problems
• Provide and receive feedback in a constructive manner
• Read and understand the organisation’s plans, policies and procedures
• Represent mathematical ideas in appropriate format
• Voice personal view to the review process

Resource implications

• Access to:
  • organisational documentation
  • relevant organisational standards
  • appropriate tools and methods used within the organisation

Consistency in performance

• Competency should be demonstrated by gathering evidence over a range of workplace scenarios, using a variety of tools and methodology and should include the assessment of a variety of risks that may adversely impact on the organisation

Context of assessment

• Competency should be assessed in the workplace or under conditions that accurately simulate the workplace