8.1 Introduction

The time spent in conducting risk assessments of any type can be regarded as wasted unless the precautions identified as being necessary are actually implemented. Much of this chapter is concerned with the management actions which should be taken to ensure effective implementation the management cycle . However, first a requirement introduced by the 1999 Management Regulations will be examined, i.e. that certain principles of prevention must be applied.

8.2 Principles of prevention

Regulation 4 of the Management Regulations 1999 states:

Where an employer implements any preventive and protective measures he shall do so on the basis of the principles specified in Schedule 1 to these Regulations.

Schedule 1 specifies the general principles of prevention set out in Article 6(2) of European Council Directive 89/391/EEC. These are:

1. avoiding risks;

2. evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided;

3. combating the risks at source;

4. adapting the work to the individual, especially as regards the design of workplaces, the choice of work equipment and the choice of working and production methods, with a view, in particular, to alleviating monotonous work and work at a predetermined work-rate and to reducing their effect on health;

5. adapting to technical progress;

6. replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or the less dangerous;

7. developing a coherent overall prevention policy which covers technology, organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships and the influence of factors relating to the working environment;

8. giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures; and

9. giving appropriate instructions...