Embedded Files
Training Objectives:
Training Objectives:
After completing this training you should know about:
After completing this training you should know about:
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What is Hazard Assessment and Identification
OSHA's 5 Steps for Hazard Identification
What is Hazard Assessment and Identification?
What is Hazard Assessment and Identification?
A proactive and ongoing process to assess and identify hazards in order to fix them and it is a core element in any effective safety and health program.
Failure to identify or recognize hazards is frequently one of the “root causes” of workplace injuries, illnesses and incidents. It indicates that a safety and health program is ineffective and helps to find opportunities to improve.
All SUU employees are expected to understand and participate in the Hazard Assessment and Identification process.
OSHA's 5 Steps
OSHA's 5 Steps
OSHA gives five main steps that go into Hazard Assessment and identification. They are as follows:
Step 1: Collect Existing Information About Workplace Hazards
Step 1: Collect Existing Information About Workplace Hazards
Information regarding workplace hazards may already be available at the workplace. This information must be collected and reviewed to determine what types of hazards are present.
Examples of existing information may include:
Examples of existing information may include:
Equipment and Machinery Operating Manuals
Safety Data Sheets from Chemical Manufacturers
Inspection Reports from Insurance Carriers, Government Agencies, and Consultants
Previous Injury and Illness Records
Results of Medical Reports/Consultations
Input from Workers
Job Safety Analyses
Written Safety Programs
Information about hazards may be available from outside sources, such as:
Information about hazards may be available from outside sources, such as:
Existing corporate and/or site written safety and health programs
OSHA and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) websites
Trade Associations
Labor Unions
Safety and Health Consultants
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
Existing Information about the workplace hazards found in each of the buildings on SUU campus is compiled into a collection of JSAs. Click the button below to go to Facilities Safety and Risk Management's Job Safety Analysis web page for more information and to view the current set of JSAs.
Step 2: Inspect the Workplace
Step 2: Inspect the Workplace
Hazards are generally introduced over time as work processes change or equipment is worn down or maintenance is neglected, etc. Setting aside time to do inspections is important to continually identify problems.
How the Workplace is Inspected:
How the Workplace is Inspected:
Regular Worksite inspections are conducted to observe workflow, equipment, materials and talk with workers
Office functions and other activities are inspected
Checklists are used to highlight things to look for. There are several major hazard categories:
Chemical agents, Biological agents, Physical agents, Equipment operation, Equipment maintenance, Fire protection, Fall protection, Work practices, and Emergency procedures
Planned changes for potential hazards are evaluated
Step 3: Conduct Incident Investigations
Step 3: Conduct Incident Investigations
When an incident is being investigated, the only purpose of the investigation should be to identify its root causes. There are generally more than one root cause.
To conduct an incident investigation, use the following steps.
To conduct an incident investigation, use the following steps.
A plan and procedure is created
An investigation is done by management and representatives of department
Close calls and near misses are also investigated
Root causes are identified and used to determine problems and possibilities
Interviews are conducted for more information and input
Evidence is collected and reviewed
Corrective plan of action is developed
Results of investigation are shared with those who need the recommended corrective actions
Reporting Incidents
Reporting Incidents
A key component of the Incident Investigation process is to report incidents and near-misses.
If you are injured while at work:
Seek medical attention immediately if necessary.
In the event of an emergency, call 911.
For all other injuries beyond first aid, visit Cedar City WorkMed.
Report the incident to your supervisor.
Complete the Employee First Report of Injury, Illness Exposure, or Near-Miss form within 24 hours.
If you are unable to fill out the report, a third party may fill it out on your behalf.
Reports filed online will automatically notify the SUU Human Resource Office, Safety & Risk Management office, and the injured employee’s supervisor.
Assist your supervisor in the accident investigation process to determine the root cause of the incident.
For more information on incident reporting click here.
5 Why Exercise: Identifying the Root Cause
5 Why Exercise: Identifying the Root Cause
A worker loses the tip of his finger when it's pinched between a drive belt and an unguarded pulley.
The first step is to identify the problem then continue to ask WHY about each response to a question. When you are no longer able to answer the question you've likely arrived at a root cause.
Why was the worker's finger crushed?
His finger was caught between a moving pulley and belt.
Why was the finger caught between the pulley and the belt?
The guard on the pulley was missing.
Why was the guard missing?
A mechanic had overlooked replacing it.
Why was it overlooked?
There is no written equipment servicing checklist.
Why is there no checklist?
No hazard assessment has been completed.
Step 4: Identify Hazards Associated with Emergency and Non-Routine Situations
Step 4: Identify Hazards Associated with Emergency and Non-Routine Situations
The hazards of foreseeable emergency and non-routine or infrequent tasks are assessed. Plans and procedures are developed for responding appropriately and safely in such situations.
How it is accomplished :
Foreseeable emergencies such as Fires and Explosions, Chemical Releases, Hazardous Material Spills, Natural Disasters, Weather Emergencies, Medical Emergencies, Etc. are identified
Emergency planning tabletop exercises are conducted to plan and test your response to emergencies.
Step 5: Characterize the Nature of Identified Hazards, Determine the Controls to be Implemented and Prioritize the Hazards for Control.
Step 5: Characterize the Nature of Identified Hazards, Determine the Controls to be Implemented and Prioritize the Hazards for Control.
Hazards that have been identified and the types of accidents that could result from worker exposure to those hazards must be understood. This information is used to determine which controls to implement and to set priorities for implementing them.
How it is accomplished:
How it is accomplished:
Each hazard is evaluated by considering the severity of potential outcomes, the likelihood that an event or exposure will occur, and the number of workers exposed
Hazards are prioritized so that those presenting the greatest risk are addressed first
Temporary control measures are used to protect workers until more permanent solutions can be implemented
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Near Misses.pdfNear Miss PDF Flyer produced by Utah Sate Risk
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