Introduction
Risk can be defined as threat or likelihood of a damage, loss or injury. The negative happening can be caused by internal or external factors, actions or inactions. Every company or organization has its level of risk. The acceptable level of risk is defined by legal and regulatory department in an organization. In terms of health and safety, risk is a probable result of hazards. Hazard in this case is used to mean somebody or something that has the ability to cause harm to lives or destructions to the property (O’Malley, 2009).
Risk Assessment and Risk Management
Risk assessment in context of criminal justice is a theory that describes the actions to be taken during a risk. Risk management on the other hand involves analyzing and identifying the most appropriate mitigation method to a given risk. In addition, it calls for individuals to make the best decisions during an emergency in which it should reduce the negative impacts to all parties involved. It is important to note that inadequate risk management leads to severe consequences to individuals, community and the organization involved. In other words, risk management is a process that seeks to minimize threats that may cause harm to lives including injury, illness or death. It entails putting into considerations culture and structures employed in risk management. In addition the process is undertaken in three steps. First is to identify, then to assess and finally to control the risk.
In criminology, justice and security organizations should put in place risk management measures. This reduces the chances of high hazard scenarios. Moreover it helps the organizations to enhance the controlling points as well as give early warning to the community. Risk management also outlines the dos and don’ts incase of a risk probability (O’Malley, 2009).
Every organization should adhere to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policy. OHS policy is organization’s objective to achieve health and safety for its employees, clients and the community. In order to achieve this objective, the organization is responsible of protecting these parties against any risk that may threaten their health and safety. Many organizations do so by managing the probable risks (Sheriff, 2003).
Conclusion
Risk assessment and risk management is essential in a given organization. It helps an organization to make decisions with occupational Health and safety issues in mind. It thus calls for both the organizations and the clients to be committed to OHS. This can be achieved through openness and trust between the two. In addition, it provides a channel through which risks are addressed skillfully hence reducing illness, injury or death.
References
Fisk, D. (1999). Perception of Risk: Is the Public Probably Right? In Bennett, P. & Calman, K. (eds). Risk Communication and Public Health. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Frewer, J. (1999). Public Risk Perception and Risk Communication, In Bennett, P. & Calman, K. (eds). Risk Communication and Public Health. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
O’Malley, P. (2009). Risk and Criminology. London: McGraw-Hill/Open University Press.
Sheriff, B. (2003). Workplace OHS consultation: legal and practical issues. Australian Master OHS and Environmental Guide, Sydney: CCH.
Trice, M. & Beyer, M. (1993). The Culture of Work Organizations. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.