Chapter 6 Establishing operational control processes

Construction sites are hazardous environments and while some hazards can be eliminated or contained through good engineering design solutions, others, inherent in the process, have to be worked around. The risk management model starts off its analysis by looking at the hazards, trying to determine the likelihood of the hazards being realised (accidents), and then loses sight of what is important because its focus is often too narrow. Whereas the operational analysis and control model does not start with the identification of the hazard, rather it goes to the real starting point – the work operation – and determines from the outset what is needed to achieve a safe outcome. The manager's objective must be ‘a safe outcome to a successful work operation’ and in that there is a need to start to look at anything that will thwart the achievement of that aim.

Proper management of the entire operation requires that in consultation with the workers affected you define your operational outcome, provide the resources and review to consider the possibility of failure, prior to commencement, during the process and at various other stages. Operating to any less a standard will only guarantee a negative outcome and ensure that accidents continue.