Hazard Identification

Hazard identification is a critical part of performing a job safely. Prior to starting any job or task, hazards need to be identified in order to be eliminated or mitigated. A hazard often is associated with a condition or activity that, if left uncontrolled, can result in an injury or illness. Identifying hazards and eliminating or controlling them as early as possible will help prevent injuries and illnesses. Through this process, hazards are identified and mitigated through a series of engineered, administrative and PPE controls.

 Hazard Identification is completed through two distinct processes that work in conjunction with your company’s policies.  First, the Site-Specific Safety Plan (SSSP) is developed at the start of a job and is based on the scope of work and known site conditions. The second part of the process is the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). The JHA is a daily process for identifying and choosing controls for hazards resulting from work tasks. A JHA must be completed at the start of the workday and revised any time site conditions change. It focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment.  

How do I identify workplace hazards? A job hazard analysis is an exercise in detective work. Your goal is to discover the following:

•         What can go wrong?
•         What are the consequences?
•         How could it arise?
•         What are other contributing factors?
•         How likely is it that the hazard will occur?

To make this process successful, document the answers to these questions on the Site-Specific Safety Plan and the Job Hazard Analysis and review with all on site. Describing a hazard in this way helps to ensure that your efforts to eliminate the hazard and implement hazard controls help target the most important contributors to the hazard. Good hazard scenarios describe:

•         Where it is happening (environment)
•         Who or what it is happening to (exposure)
•         What precipitates the hazard (trigger)
•         The outcome that would occur should it happen (consequence), and
•         Any other contributing factors.

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Additional Resources:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

OSHA - Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)