Hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control in a woodworking company

Abstract

Abstract An industrial activity is never separated from potential hazards and risks that can lead to workplace accidents. A small accident could bring a major impact on a company. Woodworking industry is the type of industry with the highest accident rate in manufacturing sector. This research is focused on a company which take roles in selling furniture and building components made of high quality wood. In its practical history, the company has never conducted risk assessment within the company, which makes the company is probably at high risk and can be easily exposed to various potential hazards. Risk assessment is a necessary step to create a safe working environment for the company and for the people involved in it. By conducting risk assessment, the workplace accidents which possibly occur within the company can be reduced or even eliminated. This research is conducted by identifying hazards as the initial stage. And then risk analysis is performed using risk matrix to determine risk ranking of the identified hazards and risks. Once the risk ranking of each risk is determined, the risk is prioritized based on its urgency to be managed. According to risk ranking, production machines are mainly the source of risk within the company with the highest severity rate. In order to mitigate the risk, Job Safety Analysis for company’s production machines is organized so it can provide the most relevant output in the end. This research conduces recommendations for the company to reduce the potential hazards which possibly arise within the company.