Hazard Identification and Assessment
One of the "root causes" of workplace injuries, illnesses, and incidents is the failure to identify or recognize hazards that are present or otherwise anticipated.
Hazard identification and assessment are processes that occur before someone gets hurt.
A critical element of any effective safety and health program is a "proactive," ongoing process to identify and assess such hazards. Hazard identification and assessment are proactive because they are processes that occur before someone gets hurt.
Effective hazard identification and assessment includes:
- Procedures are put in place to identify workplace hazards and evaluate risks continually.
- Safety and health hazards from routine, non-routine, and emergencies are identified and assessed.
- An initial assessment of existing hazards, exposures, and control measures is followed by periodic inspections and reassessments, to identify new hazards.
- Non-injury incidents are investigated with the goal to identify root causes.
- Identified hazards are prioritized for control.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-4. Why is hazard identification and assessment considered a "proactive" process?
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