Risk assessments

Contractors engaged by the University must submit a task-specific risk assessment to their University liaison for review before work begins.

Understanding risk

Every project is different. Before you begin work, you need to review the generic risk register, asbestos register (if applicable) and check with your University liaison for more site-specific risks and hazards.

Before work can start the PCBUs managing the work must undertake a site-specific risk assessment to ensure all unacceptable risks are mitigated

Consider University’s departments and schools, and other PCBUs that may affect you or be affected by your work. Consult, cooperate and coordinate with any who may be affected. If unsure of the potential impact of your work, you must discuss with your University liaison.

If the work is hazardous or notifiable to WorkSafe NZ, a Permit to work will be required.

The risk assessment must be specific to the University environment and include the following details:

  • the work being carried out
  • how the work will be undertaken
  • the hazards and associated risks for the workers carrying out the work and for others in the vicinity
  • the controls that will be employed to mitigate the risks
  • any residual risk
  • how members of the University community will be kept safe.

Methodologies must be practical and able to be carried out onsite.

Risk assessments for work with a high level of risk must be peer reviewed by your University liaison, who may consult with others.

Common mistakes with risk assessments

  • Generic: A template isn’t amended to reflect the risks and hazards specific to the site or the task.
  • Too broad: The risk assessment is an encyclopaedia of risks and mitigations, most of which are not relevant to the site or task.
  • No detail: The risk assessment is too brief and does not detail each step of the task, the risks or the controls.
  • The ‘raw’ risks (risk before controls are put in place) and ‘residual’ risks (remaining risk after controls are put in place) are not thought through.
  • Impractical: Methods described are unable to be carried out onsite.

If you are unsure, contact the Senior Advisor Health and Safety (Asset and Infrastructure).