"Recognized" and "Foreseeable" Hazards
When conducting the worksite analysis, it's important to look for hazards that are generally recognized within the construction industry. Recognized hazards are generally foreseeable on the worksite and OSHA requires that these hazards are properly eliminated or controlled. OSHA defines a "foreseeable hazard" as a condition or situation in the workplace that an employer could reasonably anticipate might result in injury or illness, even if it has not yet occurred.
Recognition
Recognition of a hazard is established on the basis of industry recognition, employer recognition, or "common sense" recognition criteria.
- Industry Recognition: A hazard is recognized if the employer's industry recognizes it. Recognition by an 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 that 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
- Common Sense Recognition: If industry or employer recognition of the hazard cannot be established, recognition can still be established if it is concluded that any reasonable person would have recognized the hazard. This argument is used by OSHA only in flagrant cases. Note: Throughout our courses we argue that "common sense" is a dangerous concept in safety. Employers should not assume that accidents in the worksite are the result of a lack of common sense.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-7. Bob has informed his employer of a serious hazard. OSHA would likely consider the hazard as "recognized" based on _____.
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