Considering Risk Assessment

Context

Is there anything more depressing in the UK than hearing some suit stand in front of a camera explaining that an incident that has just occurred happened despite a risk assessment having been carried out? We can all point to ludicrous examples of so called ‘risk assessment’. Risks associated with construction activities need clear thinking to address rather than sophisticated analytical tools. There will always be particular evidence that forms an aspect of all the factors that could affect a situation favouring an approach that leans towards engineering judgement (often unwisely disparaged) or towards deterministic rules. There can be many dichotomies that have to be accepted in a realistic approach to risk assessment concerned with construction. All this means that the key element in carrying out a risk assessment is the participants. It is important that all participants are versed in particular detailed aspects that impinge upon potential risks but also are able to appreciate the broader picture. Without this risk assessment will provide the false comfort that we so frequently observe.

Geotechnical engineering is arguably the best discipline in which to appreciate the breadth of considerations that need to be exercised to come to a reasonable assessment of risk. Such engineers practice risk assessment at the heart of everything they do whether it be design or construction. John has more than thirty years geotechnical experience as well as a well informed background in all aspects of design and construction. This allows him to pose the awkward questions that have to be addressed to have confidence in a risk assessment.

An example was the potential a few years ago of a severe disruption to the M25 from a developing slope failure. John proposed an all party approach to risk assessment and took part in the subsequent workshops to provide foundation construction and catastrophy assessment. The approach was praised by the client for providing them with the clearest possible approach that would minimise the physical and economic risk.

Facilitation

John was at the heart of the steering group that developed Balfour Beatty’s risk assessment framework through the second half of the 90s. The framework can deal with the smallest to largest project on a consistent basis. He introduced the framework to a wide range of employees within three different operating companies of the group. With a firm understanding of what the framework sought to achieve he has facilitated many risk workshops addressing a wide range of construction challenges.

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