Part 2
Jacques Cousteau's ideas on risk management and risk adversity were ahead of their time and continue to be relevant in the field of occupational safety and health today. Cousteau believed that risk was a choice that could lead to opportunity and growth, rather than just a way to survive. He understood that taking calculated risks and being prepared for the potential consequences was key to successful exploration and problem solving.
In the field of occupational safety and health, risk assessment is a crucial step in identifying and mitigating potential hazards in the workplace. Employers are responsible for identifying and evaluating the risks associated with their operations, and implementing measures to control or eliminate those risks. This process involves identifying the hazards present in the workplace, determining the likelihood of those hazards causing harm, and implementing controls to prevent or mitigate the potential harm.
There are many tools and techniques available to help employers assess and manage risk in the workplace. These include hazard identification and risk assessment tools, such as hazard checklists, risk matrixes, and failure mode and effects analysis. Employers can also use risk assessment software to help them identify and prioritize hazards and implement effective controls.
Overall, Cousteau's approach to risk management and risk adversity can be seen as a precursor to modern occupational safety and health practices. His emphasis on being prepared and taking calculated risks continues to be relevant in the field of safety management today, and his legacy as a pioneer and innovator inspires us to be proactive in protecting the safety and health of our employees.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the use of a safety and health management system (SHMS) as a proactive approach to identifying and controlling workplace hazards. An effective SHMS includes the following elements:
Management leadership and employee participation: Management should provide leadership and support for the SHMS and encourage employee participation in identifying and addressing workplace hazards.
Worksite analysis: Employers should regularly assess the workplace for hazards and evaluate the risks associated with those hazards.
Hazard prevention and control: Employers should implement measures to control or eliminate identified hazards, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.
Education and training: Employers should provide employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and mitigate hazards in the workplace.
Program evaluation and improvement: Employers should regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of their SHMS and identify opportunities for improvement.
In the context of Jacques Cousteau's ideas on risk management and risk adversity, the SHMS approach aligns with Cousteau's emphasis on being prepared and taking calculated risks. By regularly assessing the workplace for hazards and implementing controls to mitigate those risks, employers can proactively protect the safety and health of their employees and prevent accidents and injuries. Cousteau's legacy as a pioneer and innovator in the field of ocean exploration inspires us to be proactive in identifying and addressing risks in all aspects of our lives, including the workplace. So, the OSHA safety and health management system can be applied to Cousteau's ideas on risk management and risk adversity in order to promote a safe and healthy work environment.
Author
Jon Cordoba, CHST, CIT is the President of P3 Safety Solutions and loves diving!
Still from documentary ‘Silent World’ │
Keywords: Jacques Cousteau, OSHA, Safety, Risk Assessment, Leadership, Culture, Diving
Jacques Cousteau, ocean exploration, scuba diving, Aqua-Lung, underwater filming, ocean conservation, risk management, risk adversity, occupational safety, worksite analysis, hazard prevention, education and training, program evaluation, SHMS (safety and health management system), proactive approach, workplace hazards, employee health and safety, preventable injuries