Abstract:
Hazards and risks are currently identified in generic risk silos using top-down
tools and methods which are incorporated into whole system risk management
frameworks such as enterprise risk management. The current methods of
identification and documentation are linear in approach and presentation.
However, the world is multi-dimensional requiring a method of identification
which responds to complex non-linear relationships. A method is required to
identify cross- disciplinary hazards and formulate a register method to evidence
the identified hazards. This study uses expert elicitation, web, survey and case
studies to develop a method for cross-disciplinary hazard identification by
application of the dimensions of generic, interface, causation and accumulation.
The results of the study found many of the tools and methods used for hazard
and risk identification such as hazard and operability studies took a top down
approach commencing with a known failure and establishing cause and effect.
The starting position of a known failure or event precludes identification of new
types of failure or events and perpetuates a linear approach to hazard
identification. Additionally the linear design of a risk register does not facilitate
the presentation of multidimensional hazards. The current methods do not
accommodate multiple lifecycles and components within cross discipline
relationships. The method was applied to three case studies. The first case
study had an existing risk register of 50 risks, post method application an
additional 531 hazards were identified; case study (2) a register of 49 hazards
and post method application additional hazards of 261; case study (3) an initial
register of 45 hazards and an additional 384 hazards after method application.
The impact of the method application highlights inconsistencies in the initial risk
register and provides a tool which will aid the identification understanding and
communication of hazards. Additionally it documents previously unidentified
cross-disciplinary hazards and provides a proactive register method for
identification and documentation by application of the dimensions of interface,
causation and accumulation.
