Baseline Risk Assessment Guide for Contractors
How contractors can create a meaningful baseline risk assessment that identifies major project hazards, priorities and controls before detailed task planning begins.
Define the scope and context
Describe the project, activities, work environment, interfaces, affected people and significant assumptions. The assessment boundary must be clear enough for readers to understand what was and was not considered.
Identify hazards systematically
Use scope review, site inspection, previous incidents, design information, legal requirements and workforce knowledge. Consider routine, non-routine, emergency and simultaneous activities.
Rate risk consistently
Apply the organisation’s defined likelihood and consequence method. Record existing controls before calculating residual risk and avoid manipulating scores merely to reach an acceptable colour.
Select controls using the hierarchy
First consider elimination and substitution, then engineering and administrative measures, and finally suitable personal protective equipment. Strong controls should reduce exposure at its source.
Assign and review
Every further control needs an owner and due date. Review when scope, design, conditions, equipment, sequence or incident information changes, and verify controls in the field.
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