Abstract
The paper discusses options for assessing risks with a view to identifying the nature and scope of the impacts of non-conformities and defining improvement opportunities. Such options are described in terms of hazards and opportunities. The opportunities reflect the measures required to increase the chances of establishing more effective safety management systems. The hazards reflect the circumstances that may prevent organizations achieving the desired benefits and that must therefore be eliminated in the course of system deployment and operation. Once identified, the above will help build the capacity to improve the existing management system in any organization that seeks to systemically modify its occupational safety system. The paper invokes the requirements set forth in ISO 45001, which it cross-references with binding legislation (including Directive 89/391/EEC). The approach helps define the benefits to be derived from assessing risks with a view to identify improvement opportunities and hazards by methods best suited to an organization’s environment.