You can’t manage every risk the same way.
Every business has hazards. Some present little risk. Others could cause serious injury, illness or worse if something goes wrong.
The key is knowing which risks matter most — and making sure the controls around them are strong, appropriate and monitored.
Talk to WinslandFocus on what matters
A good risk management system isn’t about creating a long list of hazards and treating them all the same.
It’s about identifying where things could go seriously wrong, understanding what prevents that from happening and making sure those controls are working.
Critical risks deserve critical attention.
Are your critical risks properly controlled?
Winsland works with New Zealand businesses to identify their critical risks, assess the controls and provide an expert view confirming you are doing all that is “reasonably practicable” to manage those risks.
We focus on the risks that could cause the greatest harm and the controls that make the greatest difference.
Where are your critical risks?
The critical risks will be different from one business to another. Depending on what you do, they may include:
Working at height
Falls from roofs, platforms, ladders and other elevated work areas.
Mobile plant & vehicles
Forklifts, trucks, machinery and interaction between vehicles and people.
Machinery & equipment
Moving parts, stored energy, guarding, isolation and maintenance.
Electricity
Electrical work, equipment, isolation and exposure to electrical energy.
Hazardous substances
Chemicals and other substances that could cause serious harm through exposure or release.
Confined spaces
Work where restricted access, hazardous atmospheres or other conditions can create serious risks.
Lifting & suspended loads
Cranes, lifting equipment and loads that could fall or move unexpectedly.
Contractors & high-risk work
Specialist work where the risks and controls need to be clearly understood and managed.
It’s not enough to identify the risk
The important question is whether the controls are actually capable of preventing serious harm — and whether they are being used.
Identify the risk
Understand what could cause serious harm and who could be exposed.
Assess the controls
Determine whether the controls are appropriate for the risk and the work being undertaken.
Check they are working
Look beyond paperwork to see whether controls are actually implemented and being used.
Keep improving
Address gaps, monitor performance and strengthen controls where necessary.
Practical risk management support
You don’t necessarily need a complicated risk management system. You need one that reflects the work your business actually does.
Critical risk identification
Identify the risks that could cause serious harm and determine where your attention needs to be focused.
Risk assessments
Assess hazards and risks associated with your workplace, activities, plant and processes.
Control reviews
Review whether existing controls are appropriate, implemented and effective.
Critical control verification
Check that the controls relied upon to prevent serious harm are actually working in practice.
High-risk work
Advice on high-risk work, Approved Codes of Practice, standards and critical controls.
Practical ongoing support
Help developing a risk management approach that your people can understand and actually use.
Good risk management is about knowing what matters.
Winsland helps businesses identify their critical risks, strengthen their controls and provide confidence that the important risks are being properly managed.
Talk to WinslandFrequently asked questions
What is a critical risk?
A critical risk is a risk where an uncontrolled event could result in serious harm to people. The focus should be on preventing the event and making sure the controls relied upon are effective.
Does every business have the same critical risks?
No. Critical risks depend on the work your business does, the equipment you use, the environment you operate in and the people who may be exposed.
Do I need a separate risk management system?
Not necessarily. Risk management should be part of your overall Health & Safety system and should be practical for the size and nature of your business.
Can Winsland review our existing risk assessments?
Yes. We can review your existing assessments and controls and identify gaps or areas where the controls could be strengthened.