What is a Hazard?
Before we study identifying, analyzing and controlling hazards in the workplace, it's important to know how OSHA defines the term.
OSHA usually defines a hazard as, "a danger which threatens physical harm to employees." Expanding on that basic definition we can think of a hazard as an:
"Unsafe workplace condition or practice (danger) that could cause an injury or illness (harm) to employees."
A hazard may be an object (tools, equipment, machinery, materials) or a person (when distracted, mentally/physically incapable). It's important to know that a hazard is only one part in the "accident formula" above. It takes a hazard and exposure before an accident can occur.
Look Around
I'll bet if you look around your workplace, you'll be able to locate a few hazardous conditions or work practices without too much trouble. Did you know that at any time an OSHA inspector could announce his or her presence at your corporate front door to begin a comprehensive inspection. What would they find? What do they look for? Now, if you used the same inspection strategy as an inspector, wouldn't that be smart? Let's take a look at some information contained in OSHA's Field Operations Manual, Chapter 3, Inspection Procedures.
Check out this short audio clip by Dan Clark of the theSafetyBrief.com that lists 10 "hotspot" hazards in the workplace.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-3. Which statement most closely summarizes OSHA's definition of a hazard?
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