3.4 When Have You Done Enough?

Generally you must reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable. If the cost of a control in time, effort, money or inconvenience is far greater than the benefit of the risk reduction, then it is not reasonably practicable to use it.

Go back to the roadworks. Closing the road is the safest choice, because it eliminates the risk. But it is not reasonably practicable. It is very expensive, it needs approval that could take a long time, and it would disturb road users and could cause congestion, and so more risk, on other roads.

Slowing the traffic to under 10 mph is not reasonably practicable either for a two day job, because it inconveniences road users and drivers may not slow down.

The third option, cones, a speed limit and narrowed lanes to create space, brings the risk to an acceptable level, protects the workers, costs less and is simple. In these circumstances it is the reasonably practicable choice.

Use this kind of analysis for every possible action. But where the risk of injury is high, some controls are mandatory whatever they cost.

Getting it right

Go back to the action levels from Module 2. Think of the risks in your own workplace and decide which action level each would fall under. If action is needed, how would you stop the activity?

Summary

1. To reduce risk you can reduce the likelihood, the consequence or both.
2. To decide which control to use, follow the hierarchy: eliminate, reduce, keep people away from the hazard, use safe systems of work, and use PPE last. Then decide what is reasonably practicable.

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