A Severe Environmental Risk (SER) is an environmental aspect that if not managed effectively, severe environmental impacts could eventuate, resulting in permanent or long-term damage to the environment that is not easily rectified. These impacts would substantially alter the receiving environment and result in a significant impact on the project’s and Laing O’Rourke’s environmental objectives and detrimental to the implementation of our Environmental Policy.

To prevent these impacts, Laing O’Rourke implements it’s Severe Environmental Risk (SERs) critical controls and the associated critical controls criteria.

SER’s are divided into specific environmental aspects such that each one provides clear guidance on the requirements and control measures that when implemented are intended to manage these risks. They describe the critical controls and associated controls criteria that must be in place, demonstrated and working effectively such that severe environmental impacts are prevented.

SERs have both system controls and field controls. Project’s should complete both system and field reviews and observations to ensure that the required SER critical controls are demonstrated to be working effectively.
The SERs are underpinned by Environmental Primary Standards and the requirements of site specific Environmental Management Plans.

SER critical controls are included in Environmental Primary Standards as well as additional information on local controls (i.e. controls that must be implemented to manage risk but are not critical to preventing a high consequence).




Part of the review process includes projects and sites undertaking field based observations to ensure that the required SER critical controls are demonstrated to be working effectively.
The SERs are underpinned by Environmental Primary Standards and the requirements of site specific Environmental Management Plans. SER critical controls are included in Environmental Primary Standards as well as additional information on local controls (i.e. controls that must be implemented to manage risk but are not critical to preventing a high consequence).

Stuck? Ask Us For Help.

For more info check out or support page, or contact a member of our team, we’re happy to assist.