5.2 HIRA Format Columns Explained

[Scene: Liza and John in a meeting room with a screen showing an Excel sheet open. The sheet will be animated to highlight each section as they discuss it.]
John:
Hey Liza, I’ve seen this risk assessment sheet before, but honestly—it looks overwhelming.

Liza (smiling):
It can look like a lot, but it’s actually just a step-by-step breakdown of what can go wrong—and how we control it. Let’s go through it using a real task.
John:
Alright. Let’s say we’re changing a machine blade.
🟦 [Excel Table Section 1: Job Steps, Hazards, Impact]
[Visual: Zoom in to Excel columns 1–3. Labeled:]
1. Basic Steps
2. Hazards
3. Impact Due to Hazards
Liza:
First, we write down the basic steps of the job—like turning off the machine, removing the guard, unscrewing the blade, and installing the new one.
John:
Then for each step, we list the hazards—like sharp edges, moving parts, or accidental startup.
Liza:
Exactly. And next to that, we write down the impact—cuts, electrocution, or even amputation.

🟦 [Excel Table Section 2: Controls & Hierarchy]
[Visual: Highlight columns 4–5]
4. Available Control Measures
5. Hierarchy of Control (Elimination, Substitution, etc.)

Liza:
Now we document what’s already in place—like a lockout/tagout procedure or blade guards.
John:
And we label those controls under the right level in the Hierarchy of Controls—like Engineering or PPE.

🟦 [Excel Table Section 3: Existing Risk Analysis]
[Visual: Highlight columns 6–8]
6. Probability (P), Severity (S), Risk (R = P × S)
Liza:
Next, we do a risk calculation:
• How likely is it to happen (Probability)
• How bad would it be if it did (Severity)
Multiply them to get the Risk level.
John:
So if the probability is 3, and Severity are 4, the risk is 12.
Liza:
Exactly. That tells us if we need more controls.


🟦 [Excel Table Section 4: Residual Risk Analysis]
[Visual: Scroll to columns 9–14]
7. Additional Controls, Hierarchy, Responsible Person, Status, Reduced P, C, and Risk

Liza:
Now we figure out what else we can do to bring the risk down even further.
John:
Like adding a sensor or requiring two people for the job?
Liza:
Right. Then we assign who’s responsible, track if it’s implemented, and finally—recalculate the residual risk.
John:
So it’s not just about paperwork. It’s about real safety improvements.
Liza:
Exactly. A good risk assessment helps us work smarter and safer.
✅ [End Screen: Risk Assessment Summary Slide]
[Visual: Animated checklist overlay with icons]
✔ Break job into steps
✔ Identify hazards and impacts
✔ Analyze current risk
✔ Apply hierarchy of controls
✔ Assign improvements
✔ Lower the risk
✔ Track accountability

Liza (to camera):
That’s how we take a job—and make it safer, one step at a time.
John:
Makes sense now. Thanks, Liza.