The Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) is a legally required instrument under the Working Conditions Act (Dutch: “Arbowet”). The RI&E enables the Radboud University to systematically map out the risks related to safety, health and welfare within the working environment. The goal: to prevent or reduce risks so that you can work in a safe and healthy environment.
Based on the Risk Inventory and Evaluation, a Plan of Action (PoA) is drawn up. This describes exactly who will take what measures, when they will be implemented, and why they are necessary. Both the Risk Inventory and Evaluation and the Plan of Action are required to be reviewed by a certified occupational health and safety service or occupational health and safety expert. The Action Plan also helps to prioritize bottlenecks identified during the Risk Assessment and Evaluation so that efficient action can be taken.
More general information can be found on the Dutch websites “Arboportaal” and “Steunpunt RI&E”, where you will also find a clear explanatory video.
Adjusting the Risk Inventory and Evaluation
When something changes - such as a move, new work processes or changed work activities - the Risk Inventory and Evaluation (or part of it) is updated. By regularly reviewing and updating the Risk Inventory and Evaluation, Radboud University ensures a safer and healthier work environment.
In-depth Risk Inventory and Evaluation
Sometimes additional research is needed on specific risks. The Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Department (Dutch abbreviation: AMD), together with the occupational health and safety coordinators, supports in-depth RI&Es, for example on topics such as:
- Working with hazardous substances
- Machine safety
- Work pressure, aggression or undesirable behavior
- Monitor work
- Physical strain
- Working with biological agents
Improving Risk Inventory and Evaluation: more insight and action
The Risk Inventory and Evaluation approach will become even more effective, so that measures are not only identified but are also implemented and followed up. This will be realized in 3 ways:
- A new Risk Inventory and Evaluation system: This provides better insight into the status of risks and measures. Think of an overview of what has already been addressed, what is still in progress and which measures have been formulated concretely (SMART).
- The PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act):
- Plan: Identify risks and investigate the cause. Formulate measures in a SMART fashion.
- Do: Implement the measure (often preventive).
- Check: Measure whether the measure is effective.
- Act: Adjust the measure if necessary. This way we improve continuously.
3. Better recording and monitoring of measures so that risks are truly controlled.
With this approach, Radboud University ensures a safe and healthy working environment for you as an employee.
Conducting the Risk Inventory and Evaluation
The Risk Inventory and Evaluation is carried out by the prevention officer, under the responsibility of the management, and with the support of the health and safety coordinator. The Risk Inventory and Evaluation is then reviewed by the Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Department (Dutch abbreviation: AMD). The final version then goes to the component committee for approval.