When studying for certifications like IOSH Managing Safely, committing key information to memory becomes crucial, especially when it involves essential concepts such as the five steps of risk assessment. This article explores a mnemonic technique to help learners easily remember and recall these crucial steps.
The Mnemonic:
To facilitate memorising the five steps the mnemonic “I Doubt Everyone Really Remembers” (IDERR) is introduced. Each letter in the mnemonic corresponds to a specific word, forming a memorable sequence.
Breaking Down the Mnemonic:
- Identify:
- The first step, represented by the letter ‘I,’ stands for “Identify.” This involves recognising potential hazards.
- Decide:
- The letter ‘D’ corresponds to “Decide.” Learners must decide who might be harmed, considering both the type of harm and the circumstances leading to harm.
- Evaluate:
- The letter ‘E’ represents “Evaluate.” This step involves assessing and controlling the risk by considering the likelihood and severity of potential harm.
- Record:
- The first ‘R’ signifies “Record.” Once hazards are identified and decisions are made, it’s essential to document the findings.
- Review:
- The final ‘R’ stands for “Review.” This step requires revisiting and updating the risk assessment, especially in response to changes or the passage of time.
Enhancing Memorisation:
While mnemonics are most effective for single-word associations, the IDERR mnemonic offers a foundation. Recognising the importance of additional details, learners are encouraged to associate each word with its corresponding step. For example, connecting “Identify” with recognising hazards reinforces the mnemonic’s effectiveness.
Conclusion:
In the journey toward mastering risk assessment, mnemonics like IDERR provide a valuable tool for quickly recalling and retaining essential information. By investing a few minutes in practising and reinforcing the mnemonic, learners can confidently approach examinations and real-world situations, well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of the risk assessment steps. Whether studying for the IOSH Managing Safely certificate or similar certifications, adopting mnemonic techniques can significantly enhance the learning experience and contribute to a successful career in health and safety.
