How to Manage High-Risk Activities Through OHSMS

In any workplace, especially industrial, chemical, or construction environments, high-risk activities are part of daily operations. These are tasks where the chance of injury, illness, or even death is significantly higher if not properly managed. Fortunately, with a structured Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS), you can dramatically reduce these risks, protect your workers, and maintain smooth operations.

Imagine a factory worker climbing a scaffold to inspect machinery. Without the right protocols, that simple action could become life-threatening. This is where an effective OHSMS becomes the hero behind the scenes.

In this article, you’ll learn how to manage high-risk activities step by step using an OHSMS, why it's vital, and how organizations can empower their employees to stay safe and confident on the job.

What is OHSMS and Why Does It Matter?

OHSMS, or Occupational Health and Safety Management System, is a structured framework designed to manage health and safety risks in the workplace. It’s based on international standards such as ISO 45001 and is used to ensure that organizations comply with safety laws, reduce accident rates, and create a safer environment for all employees.

An effective OHSMS helps:

• Identify potential workplace hazards
  
  

• Set safety objectives and implement controls
  
  

• Engage workers in safety efforts
  
  

• Monitor performance and improve over time
  
  

The goal is clear: prevent incidents before they happen.

The Importance of an OSHA Certificate

Before diving further into managing high-risk activities, it's important to understand the role of an OSHA Certificate. This certificate is a credential issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that verifies an individual’s knowledge of workplace safety practices.

For employers, having workers with an OSHA Certificate can make a big difference. Not only does it boost your company’s credibility, but it also equips employees with the knowledge they need to avoid mistakes that lead to high-risk situations.

A welding company once reduced its injuries by 60% simply by requiring all technicians to hold an OSHA certification. It proved that education truly saves lives.

Identifying High-Risk Activities

The first step to managing high-risk work is identifying what activities are risky. Some examples include:

• Working at heights
  
  

• Confined space entry
  
  

• Handling hazardous chemicals
  
  

• Operating heavy machinery
  
  

• Electrical maintenance
  
  

• Demolition work
  
  

Each of these activities can lead to severe injuries if not properly managed. This is where a structured approach like OHSMS shines.

Step-by-Step Guide: Managing High-Risk Activities Using OHSMS

Step 1: Conduct a Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment

Start by identifying every high-risk task in your workplace. Use a method like Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP).

Ask questions like:

• What could go wrong?
  
  

• What is the likelihood?
  
  

• What would be the impact?
  
  

Document everything and rank the risks. This forms the backbone of your safety strategy.

Step 2: Establish Safe Work Procedures

For each high-risk task, develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This should include:

• Step-by-step instructions
  
  

• Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  
  

• Emergency protocols
  
  

• Permit-to-work systems if needed
  
  

Use clear language and visuals so everyone—from new hires to experienced staff—understands the instructions.

Step 3: Train Your Team

Training is non-negotiable. Conduct both general safety training and task-specific training.

Encourage your team to earn their OSHA Certificate or enroll in OSHA 30 hour Certification programs for deeper knowledge.

Training topics can include:

• Fall protection
  
  

• Lockout/Tagout
  
  

• Chemical safety
  
  

• Confined space entry procedures
  
  

“We used to think training was expensive,” said one site supervisor. “Until an accident cost us ten times more.”

Step 4: Use Controls and Safety Barriers

Once you’ve trained your team, enforce safety through engineering and administrative controls. These may include:

• Guardrails on scaffolding
  
  

• Proper ventilation in confined spaces
  
  

• Regular machinery inspections
  
  

• Limiting time spent on hazardous tasks
  
  

PPE should be a last resort—not the first defense. Always aim to eliminate or reduce the risk before relying on personal gear.

Step 5: Monitor and Audit

Regularly monitor safety performance using checklists, audits, and incident reports. Consider using software tools that align with ISO 45001 OHSMS requirements to streamline documentation.

Encourage workers to report near misses. These are golden opportunities to fix problems before they become disasters.

Step 6: Review and Improve

OHSMS is not a “set and forget” system. Review your safety practices at least once a year—or after every incident. Involve employees in safety meetings and encourage them to suggest improvements.

Make safety a culture, not a checklist.

Real-Life Example: The Warehouse Turnaround

A distribution warehouse had a history of minor injuries—forklift accidents, slips, and chemical spills. Leadership decided to implement an OHSMS.

Within six months:

• High-risk tasks were all documented
  
  

• Workers completed OSHA Certificate training
  
  

• Supervisors began daily safety checks
  
  

• A suggestion box led to improved lighting in dark aisles
  
  

The result? A 90% drop in incidents and happier, more confident employees.

This story shows how even a basic OHSMS can make a huge difference when managing workplace hazards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning organizations can fall into traps:

• Ignoring near-miss reports: These are warnings. Don’t ignore them.
  
  

• Relying too heavily on PPE: Control the hazard, not just the exposure.
  
  

• Lack of follow-up: If you don’t track progress, safety efforts fade.
  
  

• No leadership buy-in: Safety must be led from the top down.
  
  

Avoiding these mistakes means your OHSMS stays effective and respected.

Why OHSMS Should Be a Priority Now

In a world of fast-paced operations and increasing automation, risks evolve rapidly. Having a robust OHSMS is no longer optional—it’s essential.

And when your workers see that you take their safety seriously, morale rises. Productivity improves. And your business builds a reputation for excellence.

Plus, regulatory bodies are becoming more strict. A documented OHSMS keeps you compliant and gives you peace of mind.

Want to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to implement an OHSMS or upgrade your team’s skills, consider investing in the OSHA Certificate or the comprehensive OSHA 30 hour Certification. These programs offer foundational and advanced knowledge that’s directly applicable to managing high-risk work.

Conclusion

High-risk activities will always exist in the workplace—but with a proactive approach, they don’t have to end in tragedy. Use an OHSMS as your roadmap. Train your team. Review your systems. And most importantly, care for your people.

Because when safety is a priority, success naturally follows.