Fz /Foundations Of Safety Management/Revision/Day28
Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA): Adapting To Real-Time Risks
Risk Assessments Are The Cornerstone Of Workplace Safety, Enabling Organizations To Identify And Manage
Hazards Effectively. While Normal (Static) Risk Assessments Focus On Pre-Planned Activities And Known
Hazards, Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) Is Designed To Address Risks That Emerge Unexpectedly During
Work Activities. Together, They Form A Holistic Safety Framework, Balancing Preparation With Real-Time
Adaptability.
What Is Dynamic Risk Assessment?
Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) Is The Real-Time Process Of Identifying, Evaluating, And Mitigating
Hazards That Arise Suddenly In Rapidly Changing Situations. It Is A Critical Tool For High-Risk Work
Environments, Where Unexpected Challenges Require Immediate Action.
DRA Complements Static Risk Assessments, Ensuring That Unforeseen Hazards Are Managed Effectively
Without Compromising Safety.
Key Steps In Dynamic Risk Assessment:
1. Observe The Environment: Continuously Monitor The Work Area For Emerging Hazards.
2. Evaluate The Risks: Assess The Severity And Likelihood Of Each Hazard.
3. Implement Controls: Apply Immediate Measures Such As PPE, Barricades, Or Stopping Work.
4. Take Action: Execute Risk Control Measures Without Delay.
5. Review And Adapt: Monitor The Situation And Adjust Responses As Needed.
Dynamic Vs. Normal Risk Assessment:
Aspect Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) Normal (Static) Risk Assessment
Pre-Planned, Documented, And
Nature Of Assessment Real-Time, Immediate, And Situational
Structured
Focuses On Emerging Hazards And Covers Known Hazards And Routine
Scope
Unexpected Situations Activities
Conducted During Work Activities Or
Timing Conducted Before Work Begins
Emergencies
Highly Adaptive; Changes Based On Fixed; Relies On Pre-Defined Hazards
Flexibility
Real-Time Observations And Controls
Often Difficult To Record Fully In Real- Well-Documented With Detailed Plans
Documentation
Time And Checklists
Fire, Equipment Failure, Weather Routine Maintenance, Construction
Example Use Cases
Changes, Or Spills Planning, SOPs
Prepared by: Syed Feroz , EHS Officer
Disclaimer: This data is prepared based on research and is not to be followed blindly. Variations may occur across
different documents. Please apply your own knowledge and judgment. Thank you.
Which Is Easier To Understand, Adopt, And Implement?
1. Normal Risk Assessment:
o Ease Of Understanding: Straightforward Due To Its Structured, Predictable Format.
o Adoption: Easier To Standardize With Checklists, Training, And Pre-Defined Procedures.
o Implementation: Ideal For Routine, Well-Defined Tasks.
2. Dynamic Risk Assessment:
o Ease Of Understanding: Requires Workers To Be Skilled In Real-Time Hazard Recognition And Decision-
Making.
o Adoption: More Complex, As It Relies On Experience, Judgment, And Immediate Actions.
o Implementation: Essential For High-Risk, Unpredictable Environments But Demands Quick Thinking And
Proactive Training.
Real-Life Examples Of DRA In Action:
Emergency Situations: First Responders Assessing A Road Accident May Identify Fuel Leaks And Adjust Their
Response Accordingly.
Construction Projects: Sudden Ground Instability During Excavation Requires Immediate Actions To Halt Work
And Secure The Area.
Weather Changes: Strong Winds While Operating A Crane Prompt Immediate Reassessment And Work
Suspension.
Benefits Of Combining Both Approaches:
Using Normal Risk Assessment And DRA Together Ensures A Comprehensive Safety Net:
1. Pre-Planning:
o Normal Risk Assessments Provide A Baseline For Identifying And Controlling Known Hazards.
2. Real-Time Adaptation:
o DRA Addresses Unforeseen Hazards, Filling Safety Gaps That Static Assessments Might Miss.
3. Continuous Improvement:
o Insights From DRA Can Be Used To Update And Improve Future Static Risk Assessments.
Practical Insights For Implementation:
1. Start With Training:
o Train Workers To Recognize Hazards And Perform Quick Risk Evaluations.
2. Foster Communication:
o Encourage Open Dialogue So Teams Can Collaborate On Real-Time Safety Decisions.
3. Leverage Technology:
o Use Mobile Apps, IoT Sensors, And AI Tools To Enhance Hazard Detection And Documentation.
4. Adopt A Stop-Work Policy:
o Empower Employees To Pause Activities If Emerging Risks Are Identified.
5. Simulate Scenarios:
o Conduct Mock Drills That Emphasize DRA To Build Confidence And Readiness.
Key Takeaways:
1. Normal Risk Assessments Are Easier To Standardize And Implement, Making Them Ideal For Routine Tasks.
2. Dynamic Risk Assessments Are Vital For High-Risk Or Unpredictable Situations, Ensuring Real-Time Hazards Are
Managed Effectively.
3. The Best Approach Is A Combination Of Both, Using Normal Risk Assessments As A Foundation And DRA To
Address Unforeseen Challenges.
External Resources For Further Learning:
1. ISO 45001 - Occupational Health And Safety Management Systems:
ISO Official Website
2. HSG65 – Managing For Health And Safety (UK HSE):
HSE Guidance
3. Dynamic Risk Assessment Guidance (NFCC, UK):
NFCC Website
Final Thoughts:
Dynamic Risk Assessment Is A Crucial Skill For Modern Workplaces, Especially In High-Risk Industries. By
Combining It With Static Risk Assessments, Organizations Can Create A Safer, More Resilient Work
Environment. This Dual Approach Empowers Teams To Stay Prepared, Adapt To Uncertainty, And Minimize
Workplace Hazards. Together, Let’s Not Just React To Risks—Let’s Stay Ahead Of Them!
Prepared by: Syed Feroz , EHS Officer
Disclaimer: This data is prepared based on research and is not to be followed blindly. Variations may occur across
different documents. Please apply your own knowledge and judgment. Thank you.
