What is the first hurdle in the Ten Hurdles to Risk Management?

What is the first hurdle in the Ten Hurdles to Risk Management?

• A. Consultation
• B. Hazard Identification
• C. Risk Assessment
• D. Information Communication

Answer: (A)

The first hurdle is consultation. Engaging those who actually do the work at the outset is essential because it brings in real-world insights about hazards, work practices, and how tasks are carried out. When workers, supervisors, and safety representatives share observations and concerns, you get a more accurate picture of what could go wrong and how it actually happens, not just what’s supposed to happen on paper. This early input helps establish ownership for any controls and ensures the approach fits the existing workflow, which also supports compliance with legal duties to consult. Once this foundation is laid, you can move into identifying hazards with that practical perspective, then assess the risks based on real conditions, and keep information flowing so everyone understands what’s being done and why. Without early consultation, later steps risk missing important hazards, misjudging risk levels, or facing resistance to the measures you put in place.

The first hurdle is consultation. Engaging those who actually do the work at the outset is essential because it brings in real-world insights about hazards, work practices, and how tasks are carried out. When workers, supervisors, and safety representatives share observations and concerns, you get a more accurate picture of what could go wrong and how it actually happens, not just what’s supposed to happen on paper. This early input helps establish ownership for any controls and ensures the approach fits the existing workflow, which also supports compliance with legal duties to consult.

Once this foundation is laid, you can move into identifying hazards with that practical perspective, then assess the risks based on real conditions, and keep information flowing so everyone understands what’s being done and why. Without early consultation, later steps risk missing important hazards, misjudging risk levels, or facing resistance to the measures you put in place.