A Guide to Reviewing the Impact of Previous Risk Controls

Workplace safety isn’t just about ticking boxes or placing warning signs on walls. It’s an ongoing effort to protect lives, prevent accidents, and ensure employees feel secure while doing their jobs. One of the most overlooked—but essential—parts of this process is reviewing the impact of previous risk controls.

Imagine this: You’re in a large warehouse. Two years ago, management installed guardrails around dangerous machinery. At the time, it seemed like the perfect solution. But has anyone checked whether those guardrails are still effective? Are employees still safe, or have new hazards emerged? That’s where reviewing previous risk controls comes in.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to evaluate, assess, and improve risk controls in the workplace. It’s simple, actionable, and based on real-world needs.

Why Reviewing Risk Controls Matters

In workplaces—from offices to factories—hazards evolve over time. New equipment, changing tasks, or even staff turnover can make old safety measures less effective. That’s why you shouldn’t just implement controls and forget about them. You need to check if they’re still working.

Let’s say a factory introduced noise-canceling headphones to protect workers’ hearing. A year later, the machinery changed. The new machines are quieter, but the headphones are still being used, and they now block important warning sounds. That’s a new hazard created by an outdated control.

What Is a Risk Control?

Risk controls are measures you put in place to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards. They can include:

  • Installing protective equipment (e.g., barriers, guards)

  • Introducing safer work procedures

  • Providing personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Offering safety training programs

  • Using warning signs or labels

But these controls need to be reviewed regularly to ensure they’re still effective and relevant.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reviewing the Impact of Risk Controls

Step 1: Gather the Right Information

Start by collecting information on the original risk assessment. What was the hazard? What controls were put in place? What were the expected outcomes?

💡 Tip: Involve the people directly affected—workers often have valuable insights that reports don’t show.

Step 2: Observe and Inspect

Physically observe the area or task where the control is applied.

  • Are employees using the safety measures?

  • Are controls in good condition?

  • Have there been any accidents or near misses?

Sometimes a walkthrough can reveal more than a dozen reports combined.

Real Story

One supervisor at a food processing plant believed his team was using the right gloves to handle chemicals. But a surprise inspection revealed most workers weren’t wearing them—because the gloves made their hands too sweaty and uncomfortable. The solution? Switch to a different glove type and improve ventilation.

Step 3: Measure the Outcomes

Look at incident reports, absentee records, and employee feedback since the control was implemented. If the control was effective, you should see improvements in:

  • Reduced injuries

  • Fewer complaints

  • Better productivity

If none of these improved—or they’ve worsened—it’s time to adjust the control.

Step 4: Compare with Industry Standards

Use regulatory guidelines or industry benchmarks to compare your controls. Standards from bodies like NEBOSH, OSHA, or local safety authorities provide insight into whether your measures are up-to-date.

✍️ Quick Note: People often overlook the value of formal safety education. Many safety professionals take a NEBOSH course to gain knowledge about workplace hazards and effective controls. While NEBOSH course fees vary, it’s a valuable investment in long-term workplace safety and hazard management.

Step 5: Consult with Employees

Workers are the first to notice when a control isn’t working. Arrange short interviews or surveys to ask:

  • Is the control easy to follow?

  • Do they feel safer since it was introduced?

  • What suggestions do they have for improvement?

You’ll be surprised how much you can learn just by listening.

Step 6: Update the Risk Assessment

Based on your findings, update your risk assessment report.

  • Modify controls that are no longer effective.

  • Remove unnecessary ones.

  • Add new controls where hazards have changed or increased.

Make sure everyone is informed of the changes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common errors people make when reviewing previous risk controls:

Not Reviewing Often Enough

Reviews should happen at least annually—or whenever there's a major change in the workplace, like:

  • New machinery or processes

  • Staff complaints

  • After an incident or near miss

Ignoring Small Hazards

Just because a hazard hasn’t caused injury yet doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Minor hazards can lead to major accidents over time.

Overlooking Employee Input

Top-down safety doesn’t always work. If workers don’t buy into a control, they’ll find ways around it. Always get feedback.

Making Risk Control Reviews a Habit

To create a culture of continuous safety, risk control reviews must become part of your workplace routine. Assign responsibilities, set schedules, and make sure managers are held accountable for conducting regular assessments.

A Real-World Practice

At one logistics company in Karachi, they incorporated safety reviews into their weekly meetings. Instead of just talking about deliveries, they’d spend 10 minutes reviewing one risk control each week. Over time, the team caught dozens of small issues before they turned into big problems.

How NEBOSH Training Helps with Risk Controls

One of the best ways to understand, implement, and review risk controls is through formal safety training. The NEBOSH course provides globally recognized instruction on risk management, workplace hazard identification, and effective control strategies.

While some may be concerned about the NEBOSH course fees, it’s worth considering the long-term value it brings. Effective risk control not only prevents injuries but also reduces liability, boosts morale, and improves productivity.

🔎 Explore the best institute for NEBOSH in Pakistan to find a program that fits your budget and learning needs.

Final Thoughts: Safety Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Implementing risk controls is just the first step. The real magic happens when you review and improve them continuously. Whether you're managing a construction site, running an office, or supervising a factory floor, make reviewing controls part of your regular routine.

Remember: every control that isn't reviewed can become a silent risk over time. Keep your team safe by staying proactive.

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