Occupational Risk Management (ORM) is a fundamental process for guaranteeing the health and safety of employees in the workplace. Unfortunately, failure to implement it properly can have serious consequences, as in the case of Vale in Brumadinho and Mariana. It is therefore important for companies to be aware of the risks involved in their activities and to implement effective control measures to prevent occupational illnesses and accidents.
In this case, the GRO is an essential tool for increasing process safetybecause it involves identifying, assessing and controlling occupational risks. But do you really know how this model works? Read on and find out!
What is risk management?
Occupational Risk Management consists of a series of management activities aimed at establishing a healthy working environment that guarantees employee safety. GRO can also be considered one of the tools used by companies to meet the requirements of the Ministry of Labor's NR-1, which requires companies to implement occupational risk prevention programs.
The GRO was created to guide organizations in implementing programs aimed at promoting safety and health at work. To do this, a methodology similar to PDCA (Plan, Do, Check and Act) is applied, which includes:
- Planning: carrying out a survey, risk assessment and hazard identification;
- Execution: implementation of risk control measures;
- Verification: monitoring the performance of the risk management program;
- Action: implement improvements based on the results obtained during monitoring.
It is important to note that GRO is not exactly a security programbut rather actions that companies need to take to manage risks. Among these actions is the Risk Management Program (RMP).
What is the difference between GRO and PGR?
GRO and PGR are two programs related to occupational risk management. However, they have important differencessee:
GRO is a set of management activities aimed at identifying, assessing and preventing accidents and illnesses caused in the workplace or by professional activities. While the PGR is a specific program for companies that handle dangerous products, such as fuels, gases and chemicals.
In other words, the GRO is much broader and, depending on the company's activity, it can encompass the RMP and other programs
Why manage occupational risks?
Brazil occupies a worrying position in the world ranking of accidents at work. According to 2020 data from the Digital Observatory for Occupational Health and Safety, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the country recorded 1,796 deaths due to occupational accidents and diseases. These figures highlight the importance of investing in prevention and safety measures in the workplace.
When risks are not properly managed, accidents at work and occupational illnesses can occurThis is why occupational risk management is essential to guarantee the safety and health of employees in their working environment, which can directly affect the quality of life of employees and also damage the reputation of the company as a whole. This is why occupational risk management is essential to guarantee the health and safety of employees in their working environment.
In addition, occupational risk management is also important for protecting organizations against financial losses and damage to their image, since if they implement the measure efficiently, it will be possible to prevent accidents and occupational illnesses, which can result in a reduction in costs for sick leave and treatment, improved productivity and a strengthening of the company's image.
What are the steps to applying GRO?
Based on the NR-1, we can understand the GRO as a system made up of several guidelines that need to work together for an organization to be successful. In this case, the model establishes responsibilities for both employers and employees to collaborate in the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases. The obligations for its implementation include:
1- Identifying hazards and risks:
- Observing the work environment
- Analyze accident history
- Interviewing employees
2- Risk analysis and assessment:
- Estimate the risks of each source, action and situation identified
- Use a risk matrix and use standards established in legislation as a reference
3- Elimination or control:
- Implement measures to control the risks identified
- Isolate sources of danger
- Reducing risk exposures through administrative measures
- Replace product or machine with a safer option
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
4- Monitoring and review:
- Ensuring that risks remain under control
- Check the effectiveness of the measures adopted
- Monitor results periodically
- Identify information to improve the risk management program
To ensure effective application of the GROIt is essential that it is drawn up by a professional trained in occupational safety, such as an engineer or technician in the field. However, in order to avoid possible failures during the process, I recommend you use software specialized in risk managementsuch as Actio Risk Managementwhich can help to manage occupational risks more efficiently and safely.
Technology as an ally in GRO effectiveness
With Actio Risk ManagementIn this way, it will be possible to identify the risks involved in each activity more precisely, allowing for the creation of more assertive mitigation plans and the adoption of more effective controls that are adapted to the specific characteristics of each risk.
Now, with ChatGPT integration into our software With risk management, you can improve your business's decision making, since you can have access to accurate information in real time. As a result, the professionals responsible for risky activities can devote themselves to more analytical and strategic management tasks, increasing their productivity and generating better results.
As you can already see, this combination of technology and risk management can bring great benefits for your company.
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