Identifying Hazards and Exposures
A very important part of the hazard identification process is to look for the hazardous conditions, themselves, and the circumstances which may result in exposure to hazardous conditions. To have an event result in injury or an illness, a hazard and exposure to the hazard must exist.
So, let's briefly look at the two concepts:
- A hazard is an unsafe condition that could cause injury or illness to an employee. Examples include an improperly guarded power saw, an exposed electrical circuit, or an employee who is under the influence of a dangerous drug.
- Exposure usually refers to an employee's placement relative to the hazard's "danger zone". If the employee is within the danger zone, the employee is exposed. There are two types of exposure: Physical and Environmental.
- Physical exposure means the employee is within arm's length of the hazard. For instance, an employee who came into contact with a sharp object and was cut, had physical exposure to the hazard.
- Environmental exposure means the employee may come in contact with the hazard no matter where he or she is located. If an employee entered a confined space that lacked an adequate oxygen level, and lost consciousness, he or she experienced exposure to a hazardous environment.
When analyzing the construction worksite, it's important we don't just look for hazardous conditions. We also need to identify potential opportunities for exposure to the hazard's conditions.
The following is a list of topics relevant to worksite analysis by identifying worksite hazards:
- Evaluate operations, procedures, facilities, and equipment to identify hazards.
- Monitor exposure levels.
- Conduct regular safety inspections and accident investigations.
- Determine hazard control strategies to eliminate or mitigate hazards and exposure.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-4. When a construction worker suffers an injury as a result of an unguarded saw, what type of exposure has occurred?
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