RISK IDENTIFICATION

To control risk, you have to first recognize them. SAFE Aging, Inc. identifies potential risks and hazards that could threaten safety, health, or independence in the home, work or community.

  1. How do I recognize risks and hazards at home?
  2. What are examples of risk factors?
  3. Where do I start to look for risks and hazards at home?
  4. What are the steps in risk identification at home?
  5. What can I do if I need help?

1. How do I recognize risks and hazards at home?

To identify risks and hazards in the home, they must first be recognized. Risks are a combination of the likelihood and consequences of a hazard being realized. A hazard is a source of danger. To recognize risks, you have to know what combination of things could develop into an opportunity for an accident to occur.

2.  What are examples of risk factors?

Risk factors include but are not limited to force, a fixed or awkward posture, repetition, localized or whole body vibration, contact stress or prolonged exertions, like frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying heavy objects.  These are examples of ergonomic risk factors.

Environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, poor lighting, noise and/or poor air quality and toxic fumes are examples of environmental risk factors.

3. Where do I start to look for risks or hazards in my home?

Start by looking at yourself. Determine what you can easily do, what may be difficult, and what, if anything, you are doing to make the situation riskier or more hazardous. Then, take a look at your environment. Is there anything about the environment that is fostering an unsafe situation or action to occur.

4. What are the steps in risk identification at home?

1. Gather information about yourself, your equipment, and your home.
2. Review that information carefully.
3. Visually inspect your home and yourself.

5. What can I do if I need help?

The SAFE^SM is a good way to start analyzing your home to fit with you.  It is private, confidential and can be used to monitor your health and safety over time.  If you would like more personalized attention, consider having an in home safety assessment.

Recognize Risk Factors to Prevent Personal Injury
This basic one page handout identifies risk factors, explains what part of the anatomy risk factors can harm, and identifies a few ergonomic risk factors. See Form

Being in Your Comfort Zone
Learn where your comfort zone is in order to prevent injury. See Form

Home Safety Risk Factor Quiz
Take this quiz to determine risk factors within your home that could lead to illness or injury.  See Home Safety Risk Factor Quiz

Hazards of Immobility
The body works like a well oiled machine. When all the parts of the machine are maintained properly, the machine will work. When any one part or combinations of parts are not maintained, the machine will decline rapidly, until one day it just can't function any more. See Hazards of Immobility

Home Safety:  Are You at Risk for Injury?
A safe home supports abilities, is easy to use and feels comfortable.  A home that does not meet this criteria is an unsafe home.  An unsafe home increases the likelihood or probability of accidents occurring!  See Article

For more resources, visit our Risk Identification/Management Topics in the Learning Center Links.