Introduction
Workplace safety is not just about compliance; it is about protecting lives. A formal risk assessment provides an overview of hazards for a task, but it does not always account for real-time, on-site conditions that workers face daily. A Point of Work Risk Assessment (POWRA) is a dynamic safety check carried out before starting a task to identify immediate hazards that may not have been previously considered.
A POWRA ensures that workers assess risks in their specific work environment at that moment and apply appropriate controls before proceeding.
The Importance of POWRA
Hazards in the workplace are constantly changing. A task that was safe yesterday may present new dangers today due to factors such as:
- Weather conditions
- Site layout or congestion
- New materials, tools, or equipment
- Human error or poor communication
By conducting a POWRA before starting work, workers can:
- Identify new hazards that were not present in the initial risk assessment
- Prevent accidents by applying additional control measures when necessary
- Encourage a proactive safety culture where workers take responsibility for their environment
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Minimise downtime and disruption caused by safety incidents
A POWRA is most effective when it is simple, quick, and focused.
How to Conduct a POWRA
Step 1: Pre-Work Check – Are You Ready to Begin?
Before work starts, confirm the following:
- Are you at the correct work location?
- Do you have the necessary paperwork, permits, and RAMS?
- Is the required PPE available, in good condition, and correctly fitted?
- Are all tools, machinery, and equipment inspected and in safe working order?
- Are scaffolds, ladders, and platforms secure and stable?
- Is all lifting and access equipment properly certified and safe for use?
If the answer to any of these questions is “no”, work should not proceed until the issue is resolved.
Step 2: Identifying Hazards – What Could Go Wrong?
Workers should assess their surroundings to determine if any hazards pose a risk. Even if a formal risk assessment has been completed, real-time conditions may introduce new dangers.
Common hazards to consider include:
- Working at height
- Confined spaces
- Poor lighting
- Falling or flying debris
- Exposure to dust, fumes, or chemicals
- Extreme temperatures
- Adverse weather
- Excessive noise
- Uncertified or faulty equipment
- Electrical hazards
- Moving vehicles or traffic
- Stored energy or pressurised systems
- Risk to others on site or nearby
If any new hazards are identified, workers must determine the best control measures to reduce or eliminate the risks.
Recognising and Responding to New Risks
If you find yourself adding new items to a POWRA sheet, it means you’ve identified risks that weren’t covered in the existing RAMS or documentation. This is important, it shows you’re being observant and proactive.
If the new hazard is low risk, you should take reasonable steps to mitigate it on the spot where possible (for example, clearing a trip hazard or setting up temporary signage). Make sure it’s also recorded for future reference and improvement.
However, if the hazard is assessed as medium or high risk, you must inform the site manager or supervisor immediately. Work should not proceed until appropriate control measures are in place.
On commercial construction or managed sites, the responsibility for mitigating these new risks lies with the site management team. You are still expected to raise the issue, record it, and follow any instructions given to ensure the site remains safe for everyone.
Step 3: Implementing Control Measures – How Can the Risk Be Managed?
Once hazards have been identified, you must take steps to reduce or eliminate them before starting work. Control methods include:
- Eliminating the hazard entirely where possible
- Engineering controls, such as physical barriers or ventilation systems
- Administrative controls, such as limiting access or improving signage
- PPE, such as gloves, helmets, goggles, hearing protection, and fall-arrest systems
Work should only begin once all appropriate controls are confirmed in place.
Step 4: Emergency Preparedness – What If Something Goes Wrong?
Even with controls in place, emergency readiness is critical. Before starting work, confirm:
- The location of the nearest first aid kit and fire extinguisher
- Who to contact in an emergency (first aider, supervisor, emergency services)
- The evacuation route and where the assembly point is located
- That rescue plans are in place for high-risk activities such as working at height or in confined spaces
Step 5: End of Job Review – What Can We Learn?
Once the task is complete, take a few minutes to review what went well—and what didn’t.
Ask yourself:
- Were any new hazards encountered during the task?
- Did the control measures work effectively?
- Are there lessons learned that could improve future jobs?
Any issues should be recorded and reported so the safety plan can be improved for next time.
Best Practices for Effective POWRA
To make POWRA part of your team’s safety culture, remember:
- Make it a habit, not a formality
- Keep it short and focused—only relevant to the task at hand
- Involve the whole team, especially those doing the work
- Take action immediately if anything looks unsafe
- Record your findings to spot trends and improve future assessments
Wrapping it up
A Point of Work Risk Assessment (POWRA) is a fast, effective way to stay safe before starting any task. It’s a live check—not just a document—and ensures that current site conditions have been reviewed with fresh eyes.
By pausing to assess the work area and taking action where needed, you reduce the risk of accidents, build a stronger safety culture, and show your commitment to doing the job the right way.
Assess before you act. Stay safe. Stay aware.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations or standards. Legislation, industry guidelines, and best practices can change over time, and it is the user’s responsibility to research and ensure compliance with the latest requirements for their specific situation. Always consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your project or application.
