Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00414:body:0:p11
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00414
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 25813–30262

for harm will not occur very often.
                                                                                                    * Continuously lifting heavy boxes has the potential to cause harm whenever the work is done.
How long might people be exposed to the hazard?                                                 The longer that someone is exposed to a hazard, the greater the likelihood that harm may result.
                                                                                                For example:
                                                                                                The longer a person is exposed to noisy work, the more likely it is that they will suffer hearing loss.
How effective are current controls in reducing risk?                                            In most cases the risks being assessed will already be subject to some control measures. The likelihood of harm resulting from the risk will depend upon how adequate and effective the current measures are.
                                                                                                For example:
                                                                                                Traffic management controls have been implemented in a warehouse to separate moving forklifts from pedestrians by using signs and painted lines on the floor. These controls may need to be upgraded
                                                                                                to include physical barriers.
Could any changes in your organisation increase the likelihood?                                 The demand for goods or services in many organisations varies throughout the year. Changes in demand may be seasonal, depend on environmental conditions or be affected by market fluctuations that are driven by a range of events. Meeting increased demand may cause unusual loads on people, plant and equipment and systems
                                                                                                of work. Failures may be more likely.
                                                                                                For example:
                                                                                                Inner city restaurants and bistros are very busy in the period prior
                                                                                                to Christmas, placing extra demands on kitchen and serving staff.
                                                                                                 The increase in volume of food to be prepared and serving a larger number of patrons increases the potential for human error and the likelihood of harm.
Are hazards more likely to cause harm because of the working environment?                       Examples of situations where the risk of injury or illness may become more likely:
                                                                                                    * Environmental conditions change. For example, work performed
                                                                                                      in high temperatures in a confined space increases the potential for mistakes because workers become fatigued more quickly;
                                                                                                      wet conditions make walkways and other things slippery.
                                                                                                    * People are required to work quickly. The rate at which work is done (e.g. number of repetitions) can over-stress a person's body or make it more likely that mistakes will be made.
                                                                                                    * There is insufficient light or poor ventilation.
Could the way people act and behave affect the likelihood of a hazard causing harm?             The possibility that people may make mistakes, misuse items, become distracted or panic in particular situations needs to be taken into account. The effects of fatigue or stress may make it more likely that harm will occur.
Do the differences between individuals in the workplace make it more likely for harm to occur?  People with disabilities may be more likely to suffer harm if the workplace