"Recognized Hazards"
It is important to know what a "recognized" hazard is in the workplace.
If these barrels were being used to store hazardous waste do you think the industry would identify them
as a "hazard?"
As described in OSHA's Field Compliance Manual, recognition of a hazard is established by industry recognition, employer recognition, or "common sense" recognition criteria.
- Industry Recognition: A hazard is recognized if the industry recognizes it. Recognition by industry, other than the industry to which the employer belongs, is generally insufficient to prove industry recognition. Although evidence of recognition by the employer's specific branch within an industry is preferred. Evidence which shows the employer's industry recognizes the hazard may be sufficient.
- Employer Recognition: A recognized hazard can be established by evidence of actual employer knowledge. Evidence of such recognition may consist of written or oral statements made by the employer or other management or supervisory personnel during or before the OSHA inspection or instances where employees have clearly called the hazard to the employer's attention.
- Common Sense Recognition: If industry or employer recognition of the hazard cannot be established, recognition can still be established if it is concluded any reasonable person would have recognized the hazard. This argument is used by OSHA only in flagrant cases. Note: Throughout our courses, we argue "common sense" is a dangerous concept in safety. Employers should not assume accidents in the workplace are the result of a lack of common sense.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-4. When any member of management knows about a workplace hazard, what category of recognition would the hazard fall under?
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