1. How should a comprehensive occupational safety risk assessment be conducted?
   

   A comprehensive occupational safety risk assessment involves a systematic, documented, and detailed approach aimed at identifying hazards in the workplace, analyzing risks, and determining appropriate control measures.

   This stage requires a thorough examination of the working environment, processes, equipment, and activities. Periodic monitoring of the workspace is essential as mandated by legislation—particularly when there are changes in the work environment, following incidents or accidents, or when regulations are updated.

2. What documents and forms are required for recording occupational safety risks?

To document occupational safety risks in the workplace, a Risk Assessment Document is required. This document includes the following stages:

a) Hazard Identification
Before evaluating and assessing risks, it’s crucial to identify all potential hazards present in the workplace. This involves closely observing the workspace and the people performing tasks to detect anything that could cause harm.

b) Determining the Affected Persons
Identify who might be harmed and in what way. Assess the likelihood of injury and the severity of the potential harm.

c) Defining and Implementing Control Measures
First, existing control measures should be identified. Then, consider additional controls to reduce risk to an acceptable (low) level, ideally within the “green zone.” Control measures are determined using the Hierarchy of Controls, which includes:

1. Elimination of the Hazard
   Completely removing the hazard. For example, covering or filling an open pit to prevent falls. This is the most effective method but may not always be practical.
2. Substitution or Reduction
   Replacing a high-risk element with a less hazardous alternative. For instance, using a less toxic chemical instead of a highly toxic one.
3. Isolation of the Hazard
   Engineering controls that physically separate people or equipment from the hazard. For example, storing hazardous chemicals in locked, secure cabinets.
4. Safe Working Procedures
   Developing safety protocols, including standard operating procedures, risk mitigation methods, and training programs to inform and protect workers.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   The last level of defense, used when risks cannot be fully eliminated. PPE helps reduce the severity of potential injuries (e.g., helmets to protect against head trauma).
6. Documentation
   Completion of a risk assessment form in accordance with the requirements outlined in Order №01-15/n.

e) Monitoring
Risk assessments must be reviewed regularly. In addition to legally defined intervals, reassessment is necessary when:

• There are changes to the work environment or processes,
• An accident or incident occurs,
• New employees are hired,
• New equipment is introduced.

Who is responsible for occupational safety risk assessments in Georgia?

In Georgia, both the occupational safety specialist and the employer share responsibility.
The safety specialist is responsible for developing the risk assessment document, ensuring the implementation and management of safety procedures, and conducting oversight. The employer is obliged to review the assessment and comply with the prescribed safety instructions.

How often should occupational safety risk assessments be updated?

Risk assessments should be updated periodically, depending on the risk sector, with intervals ranging from 10 days to 6 months. In addition, reassessment is required when:

• There are changes to the work environment or processes,
• An accident or incident occurs,
• New employees are added,
• New equipment is introduced.

How can we determine priority risks during a safety assessment?

Priority risks are determined based on the following criteria:

1. Probability of Risk
   Evaluate how likely it is for the risk to materialize. The higher the likelihood, the more critical the risk.
2. Severity of Consequences
   Assess the potential impact or damage the risk might cause.
3. Frequency of Exposure
   Determine how often employees are exposed to the risk. The more frequent the exposure, the higher the priority of the risk.

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