Risk Assessment - The New Approach
In July 2009 we introduced some changes in relation to the way we undertake and manage risk assessments in the BBC. The main changes were:
- Revised guidance on how to do risk assessments
- Wider use of generic* risk assessments
- Introduction of a new online risk assessment tool
- Updated and new training
- An assurance monitoring programme to monitor these changes
Please take a look at this introductory video about the new approach.
Revised Guidance
The overall framework for risk assessment will remain, the well established and understood ‘5 steps’. In order the get the best results out of these 5 steps we are introducing the following changes:
- Three simple questions to help assessors decide what should be included
- Breaking down complex assessments into individual activities
- Tightening up how controls are described and being specific about what they mean, avoiding words like ‘adequate’, ‘suitable’ and 'appropriate'
- Using a residual risk rating to help assessors understand what they should do next, including contacting Safety and referring upwards
Wider use of generic* assessments (*see definition of different assessment types)
The significant findings of these have been compiled into an A5 format ‘Journalism Safety Guide’ (JSG) that staff can carry with them.
This approach helps ensure a consistent approach to dealing with routine activities and takes away the burden of unnecessary form filling. If the generic assessment covers the activity staff can simply record that fact and get on with the job.
Other areas are now looking at the potential to develop generic assessments and/or guides in their areas.
The new online Risk Assessment tool
The new online tool within myRisks Tools has been introduced. It reflects the changes we’ve made to our guidance. The tool is designed as an online form, with help and support built in. So using it should be a familiar experience for those used to completing risk assessment forms.
Some 'specialist' assessments e.g. manual handling and COSHH assessment forms will remain and these can be completed as normal then attached to a myRisks RA record for storage.
A word version of the New Approach Risk Assessment form is available for those not able to log-in to this tool.
Updated and new training
The principal training of risk assessors will continue to be through our core face to face safety training and in particular News Assignment & Location Safety and Risk Management of Production Pt 1 & 2. Both of these courses have recently been updated and other equivalent training, such as Safe Management of Live Events, will be updated over the Autumn.
Additionally a new Risk Assessment Masterclass has been produced. This is an online risk assessment refresher course to update existing assessors on the changes we’ve made to our guidance.
What next
Please read these guidelines and work through the short online course. When you've had a chance to complete that please do feel free to try a risk assessment using our new approach. If you require any further assistance please contact BBC Safety who will be happy to help you.
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Risk Assessment - The New Approach Guidelines Find out more about who is involved, what to do and why, when and how to do them |
