Risk Assessments for Your Environmental Permit

Once where to look and what to assess are established, the risk assessment identifies the operation’s hazards. The above understanding criteria are used to determine the risks and dangers of a site.

An evaluation will review an operation’s details and highlight the risks associated with each step and procedure. Chemical identification, vulnerable workers, hazard interaction points and more require identification. Without risk identification, prevention and protection procedures cannot be established.

After identification, risks require estimation and description. Assessments will measure the exposure level for each hazard and evaluate data on how the exposure level affects groups. After collecting risk data, the assessment breaks down expected harmful effects, variations, data gaps and necessary comparisons. Once the risk factors are understood and quantified, action planning begins.

Establishing action plans for each risk allows facilities to protect against likely hazards. With data gathered from the assessment, procedures can be drawn up for addressing, preventing and handling risks. Working with an experienced team to create an action plan allows facilities to form effective steps for achieving their goals.

Once risks are assessed and categorized, facilities must create and implement protocols for monitoring and reporting hazards. While action plans help establish prevention methods, each operation requires ongoing hazard observation to prevent issues from occurring. Extensive testing of monitoring and reporting plans is vital for their success.

Each risk has its own process change for reducing its impact and a response plan for handling risks when they occur. Standard operating procedures need regular updating and oversight for the most effective protection. There should be a record of all data used, and the monitoring plan must assess the current system regularly to ensure it is reducing risk.

Finally, reporting protocols should inform shareholders and other essential parties of the risk plan’s effectiveness. Reporting improves confidence in the operation and creates transparency. Displaying commitment to risk reduction and the plan’s success enhances a facility’s hazard handling.

Internal audits establish internal checks, evaluating the organization’s risk mitigation procedures and success. These audits keep the organization on track and reaffirm the facility’s control over environmental, health and safety risks. Internal auditors are hired by management but should be trained by the Institute of Internal Auditors for effective, thorough evaluations.

Establishing an internal auditing process requires careful planning for maximum effectiveness and transparency. Procedures should follow these basic steps:

1. Identify audit area: The risk areas should be identified for the auditor, along with any processes, policies and procedures needing review.
2. Establish frequency: Each department has different requirements for audit frequency. Establish how often each area needs auditing and create a calendar for the company. Audits should be incorporated into the permanent schedule and discussed as corporate objectives.
3. Alert departments: Inform departments of the audit — doing so allows them to prepare documents and material necessary for the audit.
4. Prepare auditor: Auditors should have all the information on the department, policies, procedures and review items before their audit begins.
5. Interview employees: Auditors will interview employees as part of the audit. Employee evaluation ensures their understanding and effectiveness on the job.
6. Report: Once the audit is documented and provided to the organization, it should be reported to any essential parties. If there are any shortcomings, a plan must be implemented to improve these results.