The construction foreman posted a large sign requiring all work site visitors to don a hard hat and safety glasses. He also purchased copious quantities of both items and made them readily available at the entrance. The foreman is engaged in: A Risk identification. B Risk mitigation. C Control and documentation. D Analysis of probability and consequences.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B Risk mitigation.
Risk mitigation refers to the process of developing strategies and actions to reduce or eliminate the impact or likelihood of identified risks. In this scenario, the construction foreman has taken proactive steps to reduce the risk of injury to visitors by posting a clear sign requiring the use of protective gear and providing easy access to hard hats and safety glasses. These actions do not simply identify the risk but actively address it to prevent harm.
Risk identification involves recognizing potential hazards that could cause harm or disrupt the project. In this case, the foreman would have identified the risk of head or eye injuries on the work site, but the question focuses on what the foreman is currently doing, which is beyond identification.
Control and documentation involve putting formal processes in place to ensure compliance with safety policies and keeping records of risk management activities. While the foreman is implementing controls by supplying safety equipment, documentation is not explicitly mentioned here, so this is not the best answer.
Analysis of probability and consequences involves evaluating the likelihood of risks occurring and the severity of their potential impact. The foreman’s actions show that the risk has already been assessed, but the focus is on the measures taken to reduce the risk rather than analyzing it.
By providing personal protective equipment and enforcing its use, the foreman is minimizing the likelihood of injury, thus directly mitigating the identified risks. This approach helps create a safer work environment, reduces potential accidents, and supports compliance with occupational safety regulations.
In summary, the foreman is actively managing the risk by applying preventative measures, making the correct classification of his actions risk mitigation.