The fundamental principle of a Health and Safety Program is to reduce injury and disease to employees. One of the most important aspects of a health and safety program is hazard assessment. Hazard identification is crucial in the workplace.

A.Conducting a Hazard Assessment and Identification

  1. List the activities or the task. For example: driving for work
  1. Identify the hazards associated with the activity or task.

For example: speed, fatigue, adverse road/weather conditions, in vehicle distractions.

  1. Calculate the risk rating by assessing the exposure, probability and the consequence of the risk associated with the hazard.Add the numbers to reach a total risk rating. See table below:

Exposure (E):
To the hazard?
  1. Unlikely (1x/job)
  2. Occasionally (2x/job)
  3. Often (3x to 5x)
  4. Frequently (>5x)
  5. Continuous
/ Probability (P):
How likely is it going to happen?
  1. Unlikely to occur
  2. Some chance
  3. Could occur
  4. Good chance
  5. Would occur
/ Consequence (C):
Impact of the hazard.
  1. Insignificant
  2. First Aid or minor property damage
  3. Lost time injury/ significant property damage
  4. Severe injury/health effects
  5. Permanent disability/major property damage
/ Hazard Risk Rating
Totals determine rating
(E+P+C)
Serious 11-15
Moderate 6-10
Low 3-5
  1. Hazard Risk Rating

Serious (11 – 15) means the hazard must be attended to immediately, prior to the commencement of the job. Controls must be put into place. A safe job procedure must be in place prior to the commencement of the job.

Moderate (6 – 10) means the hazard requires attention. Controls should be put into place. A safe work procedure should be in place prior to the commencement of the job, but could be attended to once the job has commenced. Employees must be aware of the hazard. The safe work procedure must be in place prior to the completion of the job.

Low (3 – 5) means the hazard requires monitoring. Controls are recommended. A safe work procedure is recommended.

  1. Hazard Controls

Depending on the risk rating, if the hazard cannot be eliminated or substituted, a hierarchy of controls must be implemented to reduce the risk starting with engineering controls, then administrative controls and lastly the use ofpersonal protective equipment. See some examples below:

Engineering controls

  • Design of a workplace
  • Automation/material handling devices
  • Machine guard, interlocks, lockouts, warning devices
  • Isolation/enclosure
  • Limitation (safety valves)
  • Ventilation (general dilution/local exhaust)
  • Storage
  • Air monitoring devices
  • Communication devices

Administrative controls

  • Purchasing criteria (tools, equipment, chairs, etc)
  • Policies and procedures
  • Training
  • Organizing and planning work
  • Rotation of workers
  • Safety plan/procedure

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Hard hat
  • Goggles
  • Hearing
  • Safety boots
  • T-shirts with 4 inch sleeves
  • Respiratory protective equipment
  • Fall protection equipment

For the example described above listed are some controls to address the hazards associated with driving:

  • Drivers will be rested and take required rest breaks.
  • Cell phones will not be used by drivers.
  • Driver must be aware and comfortable to drive in various road and weather conditions.
  • Others in vehicle will not distract the driver with their activities.
  • Students and instructors will be required to complete a UofL Driver’s Agreement.
  1. Communication

Make sure all affected workersunderstand the hazards and associated controls. Document that a hazard review has been completed by having workers sign and date the report.

  1. Review of Hazard Assessment

Hazard assessment should be reviewed annually or when there are any changes to the activities or tasks.

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Job/Position/Work Type: / Location of Work: / Date: Click here to enter a date.
Assessment completed by: / Reviewed/Revised:
Activity/Task
(List all tasks and activities of the job/work) / Description of
Hazard
Note: There may be more than one hazard associated with an activity or task. / Exposure (E) (1-5) / Probability (P) (1-5) / Consequence (C)(1-5) / Total =(E+P+C) / Risk Ranking
Serious11-15
Moderate 6-10
Low 3-5 / Hierarchy of Controls(OHS Code 2009, Part 2 section 9)
  1. Elimination/Substitution
  2. Engineering Controls
  3. Administrative Controls
  4. Personal Protective Equipment
(When describing the controls to reduce the risk associated with each hazard the above hierarchy must be followed, with personal protective equipment as the last means of control)

By signing this form, you acknowledge that you understand the hazards and associated controls:

Supervisor’s Name Supervisor’s Signature

Worker Name / Signature / Date

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