November Newspaper

SAFETY COORDINATORS - Steve / Larry

Proper Use of Field Level Risk Assessment

As the results of several accident investigations over the last year, issues have been identified concerning how Field Level Risk Assessments (FLRA) are possibly being used in the Plants. It appears that there is a common confusion with some members and supervisors about how FLRA should be used to help improve safety in the workplace.

The FLRA is to be used as a tool to enable workers to quickly assess their workplace prior to starting work. This assessment is to ensure that are no unnecessary or unusual hazards in the workplace that will increase the risk of injury while work is being carried out.

FLRA’s are not to be used to come up with different ways of carrying out tasks for which job procedures, control documents, or regulations already exist or instead of developing formal procedures. They cannot be used to make up your own procedures or shortcut any existing procedures to make the job easier – that could jeopardize safety.

Some examples of correct uses for FLRA:

1. To ensure that known hazards are being properly controlled as per the existing job procedure. Eg. Ventilation system is working properly prior to creating dust or fume. Make sure lockouts are in place prior to starting work.
2. To ensure that controlled hazards have been identified and resolved prior to starting work. Eg. Tripping hazards created by hoses lying in walkway and moving them prior to starting work.
3. To ensure that new or abnormal hazards are not present for which the normal control methods would not apply. Eg. Operating new equipment without being trained or handling new chemicals without reviewing MSDS.
4. Checking to make sure you have proper protective equipment to do the job. Eg. Eye protection, body protection, respiratory protection, hearing protection.

These are only a few examples. Remember an FLRA is only a tool and, used in the proper way, will confirm existing controls are in place and working well to keep us safe. If you have any questions on FLRA, please feel free to call the Union Hall.