Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Explain the concept of risk assessment and its importance.
• Identify potential hazards in an engineering scenario.
• Describe the steps for conducting a risk assessment.
• Apply the procedure to a Ghanaian case study.
• Discuss the implications of poor risk management.

Lesson summary

In Ghana, from the bustling construction sites in Accra to the local mechanic ("fitter") workshops in our communities, engineering activities are all around us. While these activities help build our nation, they can also be dangerous. A simple mistake, a faulty machine, or a moment of carelessness can lead to serious injury or even death. This lesson is not just about rules; it is about developing a mindset of safety. We will learn a professional, systematic method called "Risk Assessment" that engineers use to identify dangers and prevent accidents *before* they happen. This skill is crucial for protecting ourselves, our colleagues, and the public.

Lesson notes

This section breaks down the core ideas you need to understand the risk assessment procedure. A. Defining Key Terms

Before we can assess risk, we must understand the difference between a Hazard and a Risk. They are not the same thing. Hazard: A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm. It is the source of danger. Ghanaian Example: A deep, uncovered gutter on a construction site. Other Examples: A trailing electrical cable, a sharp cutting tool, a toxic chemical (like acid from a car battery), a very loud machine. Risk: Risk is the chance or probability (high or low) that someone will be harmed by the hazard, combined with how severe the harm could be. Ghanaian Example: The risk is that a worker might fall into the uncovered gutter and break their leg (high probability, severe harm). Other Examples: The risk of someone tripping on the trailing cable and hitting their head; the risk of getting a deep cut from the sharp tool. Risk Assessment: This is the formal, systematic process of: Identifying hazards in the workplace. Analysing or evaluating the associated risks. Determining appropriate ways to eliminate or control those hazards.

In simple terms: Risk Assessment = Finding what can harm people, then figuring out how to stop it. B. The Five-Step Procedure for Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is not guesswork. It is a logical process that can be broken down into five steps. We will use a flowchart to visualise this.

Evaluation guide

• Explain the procedure for risk assessment.
• M
• anaging Talk for Learning: In small mixed -ability groups, present various case studies and various
• risk scenarios for learners to discuss how to assess them and share them with the class.