Dejando claro, Matriz Evaluación INSST INSHT explicado
Methodology of Hazard and Risk Identification
Overview of the Methodology
- The methodology discussed is focused on hazard and risk identification as per the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (INSHT).
- It emphasizes that risk is calculated as the product of probability and consequence, which is a fundamental formula in risk assessment.
- There are common misconceptions regarding the naming of this matrix; it should not be referred to as "three by three" or "triple criterion" but rather as the matrix for hazard and risk identification.
Application of the Matrix
- The matrix is qualitative, requiring evaluators to apply specific criteria to assess risks effectively.
- Probability levels are categorized into low, medium, and high:
- Low: Unlikely to occur.
- Medium: Possible occurrence.
- High: Certain occurrence.
Subjectivity in Evaluation
- The evaluation process involves subjective judgment; thus, clear definitions for each probability level must be established by the evaluator.
- Consequences are classified into categories such as slightly harmful (LD), harmful (D), and extremely harmful (ED):
- LD refers to temporary incapacity lasting less than one day.
Understanding Consequences
- Slightly harmful incidents may involve minor injuries that do not result in permanent incapacity or loss of workdays.
- Harmful consequences indicate temporary incapacity with potential recovery but may involve more serious injuries than those classified as slightly harmful.
Extreme Consequences
- Extremely harmful outcomes include permanent incapacity or fatalities, representing significant losses for both workers and organizations due to severity and lost productivity.
Calculating Risk Levels
Multiplying Probability by Consequence
- To determine risk levels, one multiplies probability by consequence. For example:
- If probability is low and consequence is slightly harmful, then risk is trivial.
Evaluating Different Scenarios
- If both probability remains low but consequence changes to harmful, then risk becomes tolerable based on established criteria.
- When evaluating scenarios where probability is medium with a harmful consequence, the resulting risk level would be moderate.
Importance of Process-Based Analysis
Risk Assessment Methodology
Understanding Risk Levels
- The platform provides complementary documents, including matrices for analyzing workplace hazards and risks. This analysis helps identify existing dangers in the work environment.
- A scenario is presented where high probability and extremely harmful consequences lead to an intolerable risk level, prompting a discussion on how to evaluate such situations.
- The methodology discussed is straightforward but relies heavily on the evaluator's objectivity when assessing risks.
Risk Evaluation Process
- An example illustrates how organizations assess risks, such as identifying medium probability of slipping on objects with moderate harmful consequences, resulting in a moderate risk level.
- Prioritization of risks is crucial; different types of probabilities are considered when determining risk levels. There are five defined levels: trivial, tolerable, moderate, important, and intolerable.
Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Risks
- Trivial and tolerable risk levels are deemed acceptable; maintaining controls at these levels is essential without further action required.
- Moderate risks differ from important and intolerable ones; while moderate risks can be worked with under certain conditions, they are not considered acceptable.
Working Conditions in High-Risk Environments
- In sectors like oil and gas, working under moderate risk may be necessary due to operational constraints despite it being unacceptable from a safety perspective.
- Important and intolerable risk levels prohibit work activities. If a situation escalates to an important level during operations, work must cease until the risk is mitigated.
Legal Obligations Regarding Safety
- Employers must halt operations if imminent danger exists for workers according to legal standards outlined in local regulations (e.g., Article 11 of Executive Decree 2393).
- In Ecuadorian law, if a task reaches an intolerable level of risk, work cannot commence or continue until proper controls are established.
Conclusion on Risk Assessment Tools
- The importance of controlling significant risks before proceeding with any tasks cannot be overstated; this aligns with national safety guidelines.
Analysis of Risk Assessment in Work Processes
Importance of Identifying Risks
- Emphasizes the necessity of identifying risks specific to each job position and production process for effective evaluation.
- Recommends reviewing the methodology document located in the supplementary documents folder to understand risk assessment better.
Evaluating Risks
- Discusses how to categorize risks based on probability and consequence, suggesting a scale from low to high.
- Clarifies that consequences should be described as "slightly harmful," "harmful," or "extremely harmful" rather than using vague terms.
Analyzing Job Positions and Activities
- Stresses the importance of analyzing each activity within job positions, considering various factors such as gender and disability among exposed personnel.
- Suggests starting with either the work process or job position before detailing activities and assessing exposure levels.
Prioritizing Risks
- Introduces examples of identified hazards, such as noise leading to professional deafness, highlighting the need for control measures based on prior evaluations.
- Outlines a prioritization system where intolerable risk levels are classified as priority 1 for immediate control actions.
Control Measures and Compliance
- Discusses how control measures should be implemented based on identified risks, emphasizing compliance with Ministry of Labor standards.
Methodology of the National Institute of Safety and Health at Work
Importance of Comprehensive Methodology
- The presentation of only the matrix table is insufficient; adherence to the entire methodology is crucial for successful implementation.
- Questions regarding the methodology can be directed via WhatsApp or through the platform, emphasizing accessibility for clarification.
- Complementary documents related to both the matrix and support documentation are available in the designated section on the platform.
Action Plans within the Matrix
- Discussion continues on action plans relevant to the matrix, specifically referencing previously identified controls from Annex B.
- Examples of required actions include installing mechanical guards, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), and conducting risk factor measurements.