Can a WHS Risk lead to an opportunity for process improvement

If WH&S systems really wants to adopt a risk management approach (or become a component of integrated risk management) then opportunity needs to be a consideration.

Currently the process of  WH&S risk assessment and  the development of  subsequent risk controls do not consider the aspect of opportunity.

How can something considered to be a risk to peoples health and safety be considered an opportunity?

As mentioned in a previous blog (Is OHS blanketing  process risk managements -19/6/11) concentrating solely on WHS risk may lead to being blind to process risk. If, when WHS risk factors are reviewed during the assessment phase, consideration is given to the context of the risk an opportunity for process improvement may be identified. The resulting risk controls or risk treatments will then benefit both people safety and process efficiency.

Another way of looking at it may be: can this WHS risk control (or aspects of it) be applied to other areas of operation?

WRS has a client who invested a lot of effort in consultation to ensure a workable WHS system for Event Management, Property Management & Contractor Management. One aspect was introducing an assessment tool for Events and Contractor Management that could be performed on a mobile device (phone or ipad). It was quickly discovered that the mobile tool provided an opportunity to  benefit other areas of operations and more assessments (non WHS) were added to the mobile system leading to improved efficiencies and record keeping.

Remembering to incorporate opportunity as a component of WH&S risk management will lead to improved safety and efficiency. It will also assist in keeping people engaged in the risk management process whether it be WH&S or Process Systems.