Hazard Recognition

Hazard recognition is a means of identifying, assessing and prioritizing hazards, both existing and potential. Hazards are

always present, regardless of the location and it is imperative to be able to demonstrate hazard recognition in all areas and

aspects of your workplace and personal life.

It is the responsibility of all workers to understand what a hazard is, what the dangers are, and how they can affect the

people, property and the environment, and how to prevent them.

The goal of hazard recognition is not to place blame on individuals but to promote a safer workplace and improve teamwork

and communication by creating better recognition and control habits. Hazards are to be dealt with in a timely manner to

prevent incidents from occurring.

How much time do you spend recognizing and controlling hazards in your work area?

Effective Hazard Control

1. Recognize and understand: You need to be able to recognize the hazard and understand how it will, or can affect

you, your coworkers, property and/or the environment.

2. Assess: Measuring the consequences of the hazard enables you to control or mitigate the hazard.

3. Control: Each hazard should have controls in place for protection if eliminating the hazard is not possible.

4. Document: All hazard assessments should be documented and shared with all workers that are involved in the task.

5. Follow-up: Hazard assessments should be revisited anytime a condition or physical effect changes. For example, if

rain develops, and poses a new hazard, a new assessment must be conducted to discuss the new potential for harm

and/or incident and what controls need to be put into place.

Good practices to Prevent Workplace Hazards:

Prior to starting work, take a few moments to evaluate the work area and work activity for potential hazards and discuss

their controls, maintain personal protective equipment as per manufacturer’s specifications, follow established procedures,

do not take any shortcuts and report hazards and incidents as soon as possible.

By following these guidelines, it is a very positive step towards the most important thing- going home

safe at the end of each day to our families, friends and loved ones.