There are three types of danger at the workplace: First, there are dangers that are known to everyone. Then there are dangers that have not been detected but that may be detected by making checklists. Thirdly, there are hidden dangers that are difficult to detect directly. A danger may be a sudden event or long-term exposure.

The booklet “Riskien arviointi työpaikalla” (Risk Assessment at the Workplace) is a useful tool to help work communities to identify dangers. Each individual seafarer can contribute towards assessing hazards to health and occupational well-being by filling in the form developed as part of the project. Occupational health care collates the forms and drafts a summary specific to each ship.

A shipping company’s labour protection organisation and occupational health care professionals team up to assess the summary and if necessary, to fine tune the hazard assessment. Then the team conducts a risk assessment and sets out the necessary measures in order of importance. The remedial measures are implemented in cooperation with all parties.

A variety of dangers

A variety of health hazards arise from accidents and incidents, chemicals and the physical environment, bad ergonometrics and emotional overloading. The latter of these closely relates to the atmosphere and emotional well-being at the workplace, which in turn is influenced by inappropriate behaviour.
 
It is important to weigh up all dangers consistently, i.e. commensurably. Specific checklists are useful; they are generally limited to directly perceived and detectable dangers.

Each and every individual employee is the best expert on the dangers associated with his or her work. However, many dangers may remain unidentified while working or they may be pushed aside instinctively in order to ensure a smooth flow of work. Consequently, labour protection, occupational health and other experts familiar with the task play a vital role in assessing risks.