Purpose of the Task

This task strengthens the learner’s ability to read, interpret, and apply ISO standards and organisational procedures in real workplace situations. It helps the learner understand how written rules translate into practical actions and how non-compliance creates strategic, operational, and legal risks.

PART A — Extracts Provided by the Assessor

Below are three short paragraphs taken from typical organisational and ISO 45001 safety management standards.
Learners must interpret each paragraph and explain its meaning and implications.

Extract 1 — ISO 45001: Clause 6.1.2 (Hazard Identification)

“The organisation shall establish, implement, and maintain processes for the ongoing identification of hazards. The process shall take into account routine and non-routine activities, the design of the workplace, human factors, and past incidents.”

Extract 2 — Organisational Procedure: Risk Assessment Standard

“All departments must ensure that risk assessments use a numerical scoring method for likelihood and severity. Scores must be justified, documented, and reviewed whenever work conditions change.”

Extract 3 — Company Safety Policy: Communication of Risk

“Information on hazards, controls, and emergency actions shall be communicated to all persons working under the organisation’s control. Communication must be clear, timely, and suitable for the audience.”

PART B — Model Interpretation and Application (Fully Completed Sample)

Below is a full model example showing how a learner should interpret and apply each extract.

Extract 1 — Interpretation and Workplace Application

Interpretation

This paragraph explains that the organisation must use a formal and continuous process to identify hazards. This process must look at normal work, unusual work, design issues, human behaviour, and lessons learned from previous incidents. The clause demands a structured system rather than a one-time review.

Workplace Application

A company applying this clause should:

• identify hazards during all tasks, including maintenance, shutdowns, cleaning, and emergencies
• check the layout of the workplace to see if it increases risk (narrow spaces, poor lighting, poor design)
• consider human factors such as fatigue, stress, inexperience, or rushing
• use incident reports, near-miss data, and unsafe condition logs to identify repeated hazards
• ensure supervisors and workers report hazards daily

Implications of Non-Compliance

If this clause is ignored:

• hidden hazards remain unaddressed
• high-risk tasks are performed without controls
• the organisation breaches ISO 45001 requirements
• the risk assessment becomes incomplete, affecting strategic decisions
• serious incidents may occur due to missed human-factor risks

Extract 2 — Interpretation and Workplace Application

Interpretation

This procedure requires the organisation to use a numerical scoring method for risk assessments. Each score for likelihood and severity must have written justification. The assessment must be reviewed whenever the job changes or new hazards appear.

Workplace Application

A compliant organisation would:

• use a standard scoring matrix such as 1–5 or 1–25
• record the reasoning behind each score
• update the assessment when weather conditions change, when new equipment is used, or when new staff take part
• ensure that supervisors and workers understand how risk numbers drive control decisions
• keep the scores consistent across departments to support strategic risk analysis

Implications of Non-Compliance

If this procedure is not followed:

• risk scoring becomes subjective and unreliable
• high risks may be given low scores, exposing the organisation to harm
• senior management cannot make accurate safety decisions
• auditors may reject the assessment due to missing justification
• the organisation fails ISO expectations for quantifiable risk evaluation

Extract 3 — Interpretation and Workplace Application

Interpretation

This paragraph requires the employer to communicate risk information clearly to everyone affected. The information must reach employees, contractors, visitors, and other persons. The communication must also match the audience’s language, knowledge, and needs.

Workplace Application

A compliant organisation would:

• share risk information through toolbox talks, inductions, signs, briefings, PTW meetings, and digital messages
• ensure that workers who do not speak English receive translated or visual instructions
• provide timely updates when hazards change or controls are updated
• make sure workers understand emergency actions and evacuation procedures
• include nearby contractors in risk briefings when working in shared areas

Implications of Non-Compliance

If communication is weak or unclear:

• workers misunderstand hazards and controls
• high-risk tasks may be carried out incorrectly
• visitors or contractors may enter dangerous areas without knowledge
• emergency actions may fail due to poor briefing
• the organisation violates ISO 45001 requirements for communication and consultation.

PART C — Learner Task Instructions

Learners must now:

• Read all three extracts carefully.
• Explain the meaning of each paragraph in simple, clear terms.
• Describe how the organisation should apply the rule in real work activities.
• Identify two or more implications of non-compliance for each extract.
• Compare their answers to the model examples to understand where improvement is needed.
• Explain how each extract supports ISO implementation, strategic risk scoring, and risk communication.