What is an LMRA?
LMRA stands for Last Minute Risk Analysis and is a brief, personal safety check immediately before starting a task. The aim is to verify that the work situation is safe and that no unexpected risks have arisen since the original work preparation.
An LMRA is a mandatory part of many safety policies and is a direct way of working safely under the Dutch Working Conditions Act.
🧠 How does an LMRA work?
- Pause to consider the situation
- Do you fully understand the assignment?
- Has anything changed compared with the original plan?
- Observe and recognise risks
- Hazards in the surroundings: traffic, working at height, chemicals
- Unsafe conditions: trailing cables, missing PPE, adverse weather
- Take action
- Risk not acceptable? Do not start work!
- Report the situation and consult the supervisor
- Adjust the working method or location if necessary
An LMRA usually takes no more than 1–2 minutes but can prevent potentially serious incidents.
🏭 Application in industrial work environments
- For every task in industry, construction, engineering or maintenance
- For work in or on:
- Control cabinets, MCCs, machines or piping
- Confined spaces, working at height, ATEX zones
- Electrical installations (NEN 3140)
- Activities involving Lock-out Tag-out, work permits or PPE
Examples:
- Starting maintenance on a press or pumping installation
- Before entering a tank or technical room
- Before energising electrical supplies
🔍 Sample LMRA questions
| Category | Sample questions |
|---|---|
| Environment | Is the workplace clean and safe? |
| Tools & equipment | Are the correct tools and PPE present? |
| Authorisation | Am I trained and authorised for this task? |
| Provisions | Has the installation been de-energised (Lock-out Tag-out)? |
| Emergency measures | Do I know what to do in case of an incident or fire? |
Many companies use an LMRA card or checklist to support employees.
🔐 Safety considerations
- Part of the broader safety policy and risk inventory and evaluation
- Often linked to work permits and Lock-out Tag-out procedures
- An LMRA supports situational risk awareness
- Promotes a safety culture: ownership at the employee level
- May lead to pausing work or reporting near-misses
Skipping an LMRA increases the risk of injury or damage, especially in dynamic work environments.
📌 In summary
An LMRA is a brief, personal check before starting work, aimed at recognising and managing current risks. It is an indispensable habit in safe and professional working practice.