Reasonably practicable - what does it mean?

Under the new Workplace Health and Safety legislation important principles have been established that apply to a person's obligations. The introduction of the principle of “reasonably practicable” has brought a new concept into the scope of workplace health and safety. In essence "reasonably practicable" conveys the expectation that a person should do all that is reasonably possible in the circumstances that face that person at that particular time.

 

In broad terms the legislation describes what a person should take into account to meet the “reasonably practicable” criteria, including the following:

 

1.            The likelihood or probability of a hazard or risk being present or occurring. 

2.         The degree of harm that might result from the hazard or risk i.e. consideration of the extent of the hazard or risk and the possible consequences.

3.         The person’s knowledge (or what they ought reasonably to know) about the hazard or risk and the ways of eliminating, avoiding or minimising the risk. 

4.         The availability and the suitability of ways to eliminate, avoid or minimise the risk must be considered. This is likely to involve a consideration of what information, resources are obtainable, accessible and appropriate to the matter at hand.

5.         Once the extent of the risk and options available for eliminating or minimising these risks have been assessed, the cost associated with the available ways of eliminating or minimising the risk should be considered and establish whether the cost is grossly disproportionate to the risk.

 

It will always be prudent to maintain records documenting the above obligations.

 

For further information contact Jacques Franken, Senior Consultant.