What is an RI&E and why is it important?
Nice to have an RI&E, but how do you set it up? Where do you start and what makes the difference between minimal compliance and a truly effective RI&E? In this blog we give you practical RI&E examples and show you how smart software can make the process easier and more efficient.
An RI&E (Risk Inventory and Evaluation) is a method for identifying the risks in the workplace. Every company with employees is required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act to conduct an RI&E, regardless of the industry.
What must an RI&E meet?
A good RI&E always contains three components:
- It should identify the risks present.
- An assessment of the severity of these risks, including potential consequences
- It must include a plan of action with measures to reduce risks.
Who is responsible?
The final responsibility lies with the employer. In practice, implementation is often delegated to a QHSE or KAM manager. They ensure that the RI&E is up to date. They must also ensure that the RI&E is tested and assessed by a certified occupational health and safety expert.
How do you prepare a good RI&E?
Not only must an RI&E be current, it must include the following three essential components:
1. Risk inventory:
In it, you identify all potential hazards in the workplace. Consider:
- Physical risks: such as fall hazards, noise, or exposure to hazardous materials
- Psychosocial risks, such as work pressure, stress, aggression or undesirable behavior.
2. Risk assessment:
Not every risk is equally serious. In evaluating, you assess:
- How likely is it that the risk will occur?
- What are the possible consequences?
This assessment helps you prioritize: which risks require action right now, and which can be addressed later?
3. Plan of action:
on the basis of the evaluation you draw up concrete action. A good action plan includes:
- Who is responsible
- What needs to be done
- When implemented,
- How progress is monitored
A good plan of action meets the SMART: specific, measurable, acceptable, realistic and time-bound.
RI&E Examples from the field
Are you looking for an example of how to prepare a good RI&E? Then you're in the right place. We would like to give you three practical examples and explain how to draw up a risk inventory.
1. RI&E example construction
Risks present: danger of falling when working at height, exposure to noise (machinery, tools) and improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Plan of action RI&E:
- Mandatory fall protection when working above 2.5 meters.
- Perform noise measurements and provide workers with hearing protection.
- Stricter control of PPE use and provide training on safety.
2. RI&E example metal and engineering
Present risks: cutting hazards from sharp materials and machinery, exposure to hazardous substances and dust generation, and accidents from unshielded machinery.
Plan of action RI&E:
- Require cut-resistant gloves.
- Improving extraction systems and having workers undergo regular medical examinations.
- Improve machine guards and tighten maintenance protocols.
2. RI&E example transportation
Presence of risks: traffic accidents due to time pressure and fatigue, physical strain due to heavy lifting and dangerous traffic situations during loading and unloading.
Plan of action RI&E:
- Compliance with strict rest periods and time trial monitoring systems.
- Providing training on ergonomic lifting and use of assistive devices.
- Optimize traffic routes on company premises and mark them more clearly.
Common mistakes in an RI&E
Drawing up an RI&E correctly requires commitment and analytical skills. Unfortunately, companies still regularly make mistakes when drawing up an RI&E correctly. These are the four most common pitfalls for companies; take advantage of them and do not fall into the same pitfalls:
- No up-to-date RI&E: An RI&E must always remain a living document. When work processes or risks change, this will have to be updated in the RI&E.
- The lack of a plan of action: if a concrete plan of action is missing for your RI&E, then it remains an aimless paper document. You have to make sure that the set measures are actually implemented.
- Employee involvement: the employees within your organization know better than anyone else what the possible risks of their workplace are. Actively involve your employees in drawing up the RI&E. In this way, you ensure that the RI&E is complied with. See also our article: 10 Tips to bring the RI&E to life on the shop floor.
- Review RI&E: Does your organization have more than twenty-five employees? Then the RI&E must be reviewed by a certified occupational health and safety expert, don't forget! It prevents incompleteness and increases effectiveness.
How smart RI&E software can help you do this
Setting up and maintaining an RI&E is time-consuming and it can also be quite complex. Our RI&E module takes risk management to the next level.
Our solution makes performing a Risk Inventory & Evaluation(RI&E) easier and more efficient. Thanks to the included standard questionnaire - which can be adapted to the specific sector or expanded with questions of your own - the module is immediately ready for use and can be fully tailored to your organization.
With a modern design, intuitive user interface and high-quality user experience, this module is designed to make your work easier.
Conclusion
An RI&E is an essential tool for providing insight into occupational risks on the shop floor and also for reducing them. Due to the legal obligation, it guarantees safety on the work floor. By avoiding common pitfalls and using our smart software, you can conduct an RI&E more efficiently and effectively.
Take off!
Request a no-obligation online demo of our RI&E module and discover how to manage your risks faster, smarter and easier.
