Step 1: Identify the Hazards The supervisor is to start the hazard identification process before the job begins by identifying hazards that are known to exist on site and documenting them. By identifying hazards early, the supervisor may be able to implement controls before any workers arrive on site. To ensure the process is thorough the supervisor should: look at all aspects of the work, include non-routine activities such as maintenance, repair, or cleaning, look at accident / incident / near-miss records, include at people who work “off site” either home, on other job sites, drivers, teleworkers, with clients, etc., look at the way the work is organized or and age of people doing “done” (include experience the work, systems being used, etc), look at foreseeable unusual conditions (for example, possible impact on hazard control procedures that may be unavailable in an emergency situation, power outage, etc.), examine risks to visitors or the public, include an assessment of groups that may have a different level of risk such as young or inexperienced workers, persons with disabilities, or new or expectant mothers. To identify potential hazards, consider the following questions (this is not a complete list): Can any body part get caught in or between objects? Do tools, machines or equipment present any hazards? Can the worker make harmful contact with objects? Can the worker slip, trip or fall? Can the worker suffer a strain from lifting, pushing or pulling? Is the worker exposed to extreme heat or cold? Is excessive noise or vibration a problem? Is there a danger from falling objects? Is lighting a problem? Can weather conditions affect safety? Is harmful radiation a possibility? Can contact be made with hot, toxic or caustic substances? Are there dusts, fumes, mists or vapours in the air?
Step 1: Identify the Hazards The supervisor is to start the hazard identification process before the job begins by identifying hazards that are known to exist on site and documenting them. By identifying hazards early, the supervisor may be able to implement controls before any workers arrive on site. To ensure the process is thorough the supervisor should: look at all aspects of the work, include non-routine activities such as maintenance, repair, or cleaning, look at accident / incident / near-miss records, include people who work “off site” either at home, on other job sites, drivers, teleworkers, with clients, etc., look at the way the work is organized or “done” (include experience and age of people doing the work, systems being used, etc), look at foreseeable unusual conditions (for example, possible impact on hazard control procedures that may be unavailable in an emergency situation, power outage, etc.), examine risks to visitors or the public, include an assessment of groups that may have a different level of risk such as young or inexperienced workers, persons with disabilities, or new or expectant mothers. To identify potential hazards, consider the following questions (this is not a complete list): Can any body part get caught in or between objects? Do tools, machines or equipment present any hazards? Can the worker make harmful contact with objects? Can the worker slip, trip or fall? Can the worker suffer a strain from lifting, pushing or pulling? Is the worker exposed to extreme heat or cold? Is excessive noise or vibration a problem? Is there a danger from falling objects? Is lighting a problem? Can weather conditions affect safety? Is harmful radiation a possibility? Can contact be made with hot, toxic or caustic substances? Are there dusts, fumes, mists or vapours in the air?
go2HR-Hazard-ID-Risk-Assessment-and-Control.docx