It is a requirement of the OHSAct for employers to conduct health risk assessments (HRA) for their workplaces. Geozone conducts comprehensive HRA for workplaces in which cognisance is taken of all existing and potential occupational hygiene stressors – i.e:

• Chemical stressors (hazardous chemical substances)
• Physical stressors (noise, thermal stress, illumination)
• Ergonomic stressors (manual materials handling, lifting, repetitive work)
• Biological stressors (hazardous biological agents)
• Psychosocial stressors

Using a risk rating matrix, stressors are qualitatively evaluated based on frequency of employee exposure, duration of exposure and consequence of exposure. The derived health risk ratings are categorised into low, medium or high risk ratings per activity area, to allow for identification and prioritisation of the highest health risks on site. Cognisance is also taken of the following:

• Existing engineering controls on site (general and local exhaust ventilation etc)
• Existing administrative controls in place (job rotation, work:rest regimens etc)
• Existing personal protective equipment

The appropriateness of these control measures is qualitatively assessed vv identified risks.

Based on the findings of the HRA, recommendations are made with regard to the need for employers to conduct additional (quantitative) occupational hygiene surveys in accordance with OHSAct requirements.