In this article, we will explore the key steps involved in conducting a hazard assessment survey for your business. From collecting information about workplace hazards to prioritising control measures, we will provide insights and recommendations to ensure a safe working environment. So let’s dive in and discover how to create a bespoke safety solution tailored to your specific needs.

Collecting Information About Workplace Hazards

Before conducting a hazard assessment survey, it is crucial to collect and review information about the hazards present or likely to be present in the workplace. This information can come from a variety of sources, both internal and external.

Internal Sources of Information

Internal sources provide valuable insights into the hazards that may be present in the workplace. Some of the key internal sources of information include:

• Equipment and machinery operating manuals: These manuals provide detailed information about the potential hazards associated with specific equipment and machinery.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): SDSs, provided by chemical manufacturers, offer crucial information about the hazards posed by various chemicals used in the workplace.
• Self-inspection reports and inspection reports: Reports from insurance carriers, government agencies, and consultants can highlight existing hazards and areas for improvement.
• Records of previous injuries and illnesses: Reviewing incident investigation reports, can help identify recurring hazards and their causes.
• Workers’ compensation records: These records provide insights into past incidents and injuries that may be related to workplace hazards.
• Input from workers: Gathering input from workers through surveys or safety and health committee meetings can provide valuable information about potential hazards.

External Sources of Information

External sources also play a significant role in identifying workplace hazards. Some of the key external sources include:

• Trade associations: Trade associations often publish industry-specific safety guidelines and best practices.
• Labor unions and worker advocacy groups: These organisations can provide insights into hazards specific to certain industries or job roles.
• Safety and health consultants: Consultants specialising in workplace safety can offer expert guidance on identifying and assessing hazards.

By collecting information from both internal and external sources, a comprehensive overview of workplace hazards can be obtained. This information serves as a foundation for the hazard assessment survey.

Conducting Workplace Inspections

Once the information about workplace hazards has been collected, the next step is to conduct thorough workplace inspections. These inspections help identify new or recurring hazards that may have been missed during the initial information collection phase.

The Importance of Regular Inspections

Hazards can be introduced over time due to changes in workstations, processes, equipment, or housekeeping practices. Regular inspections are crucial to identify these hazards and address them before they lead to incidents or injuries.

Steps to Conduct Effective Inspections

To conduct effective workplace inspections, follow these steps:

1. Involve workers: Encourage workers to participate in the inspection process and report any hazards they observe.
2. Document inspections: Keep a record of inspections to verify that hazardous conditions have been addressed. Photos or videos can be used as visual aids and for future reference.
3. Include all areas and activities: Inspect all areas, including storage and warehousing, maintenance, purchasing, office functions, and the activities of on-site contractors and temporary employees.
4. Use checklists: Develop checklists that highlight potential hazards in different categories, such as housekeeping, slip, trip, and fall hazards, electrical hazards, equipment operation, and workplace violence.
5. Seek worker input: Before making any significant changes or introducing new equipment or processes, consult workers and evaluate potential hazards.

By following these steps, comprehensive workplace inspections can be conducted, ensuring that hazards are identified and addressed promptly.

Identifying Health Hazards

In addition to physical safety hazards, it is crucial to identify and assess health hazards in the workplace. Health hazards can have long-term effects on workers’ well-being, and their identification requires careful consideration.

Types of Health Hazards

Health hazards in the workplace can include chemical hazards, physical hazards, biological hazards, and ergonomic risk factors. Identifying these hazards involves reviewing various sources of information and conducting quantitative exposure assessments when possible.

Identifying Chemical Hazards

To identify chemical hazards, review safety data sheets (SDS) and product labels to identify chemicals that have low exposure limits, are highly volatile, or are used in large quantities or in unventilated spaces. Additionally, consider activities that may result in skin exposure to chemicals.

Identifying Physical Hazards

Physical hazards, such as excessive noise, elevated heat, and sources of radiation, need to be identified. Areas where workers must raise their voices to be heard, indoor and outdoor heat sources, and sources of radiation should be assessed for potential risks.

Identifying Biological Hazards

Biological hazards include infectious diseases, molds, toxic or poisonous plants, and animal materials capable of causing allergic reactions or occupational asthma. Determine whether workers may be exposed to these hazards and take appropriate measures to mitigate risks.

Identifying Ergonomic Risk Factors

Examine work activities that require heavy lifting, work above shoulder height, repetitive motions, or tasks with significant vibration. These ergonomic risk factors can lead to musculoskeletal disorders and should be addressed to ensure worker well-being.

Reviewing Medical Records

Medical records provide valuable insights into the health hazards workers may be exposed to. Cases of musculoskeletal injuries, skin irritation or dermatitis, hearing loss, or lung disease can indicate potential workplace exposures.

By identifying and assessing health hazards, employers can implement appropriate control measures to protect workers’ health and well-being.

Conducting Incident Investigations

Incident investigations play a crucial role in identifying hazards that may cause future harm. Thoroughly investigating incidents, injuries, close calls, and reports of other concerns allows for the identification of root causes and the development of preventive measures.

Developing an Incident Investigation Plan

Having a clear plan and procedure in place for conducting incident investigations ensures that investigations can begin immediately when incidents occur. The plan should outline the individuals involved, lines of communication, necessary materials and equipment, and reporting forms and templates.

Training Investigative Teams

Investigative teams should receive training on incident investigation techniques, emphasising objectivity and open-mindedness throughout the process. A trained team that includes representatives from management and workers should conduct the investigations.

Analysing Root Causes

During incident investigations, it is essential to identify and analyze root causes to address underlying programme shortcomings. By understanding why incidents occurred, preventive measures can be put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Communicating Investigation Results

The results of incident investigations should be communicated to managers, supervisors, and workers to prevent recurrence. By sharing the lessons learned from investigations, everyone in the workplace can benefit and contribute to a safer environment.

Effective incident investigations go beyond identifying immediate causes. They delve into the underlying factors that contributed to incidents, such as equipment failure or human error. By asking critical questions and examining the broader context, investigations uncover valuable insights for preventing future incidents.

Identifying Hazards in Emergency and Nonroutine Situations

Hazards associated with emergency scenarios and nonroutine tasks need to be recognized and understood. Planning and developing appropriate procedures for these situations are essential to ensure worker safety.

Identifying Foreseeable Emergency Scenarios

Identify foreseeable emergency scenarios based on the materials and equipment used in the workplace and its location. These scenarios may include fires and explosions, chemical releases, hazardous material spills, startups after planned or unplanned equipment shutdowns, and nonroutine maintenance activities.

Developing Emergency Procedures

Developing comprehensive emergency procedures ensures that workers know how to respond appropriately and safely during emergency situations. Procedures should cover a wide range of scenarios, including weather emergencies, disease outbreaks, and workplace violence.

Nonroutine Tasks and Potential Hazards

Nonroutine tasks, such as infrequently performed maintenance activities, can introduce potential hazards. Identifying these tasks and assessing the associated risks is crucial for developing appropriate control measures.

By identifying hazards in emergency and nonroutine situations, employers can develop robust procedures and control measures to protect workers during these critical times.

Characterizing Hazards and Prioritising Control Measures

After identifying hazards through the hazard assessment survey, it is essential to characterize their nature and prioritise control measures. This ensures that the most critical hazards are addressed promptly and effectively.

Evaluating Hazards

Evaluate each hazard by considering the severity of potential outcomes, the likelihood of an event or exposure occurring, and the number of workers who might be exposed. This evaluation helps determine the level of risk associated with each hazard.

Implementing Interim Control Measures

While permanent control measures are being developed, interim control measures should be implemented to protect workers. These temporary measures can significantly reduce the risk of incidents and injuries.

Prioritising Hazards

Prioritise hazards based on their level of risk and potential impact on worker safety. Address the most significant risks first, but remember that all serious recognised hazards should be controlled.

By characterising hazards and prioritising control measures, employers can effectively allocate resources to address the most critical risks and ensure the safety of their workers.

Conclusion

Conducting a hazard assessment survey is a vital step in ensuring the safety and well-being of workers in environments where working at height is necessary. By collecting information about workplace hazards, conducting thorough inspections, identifying health hazards, investigating incidents, recognising hazards in emergency and nonroutine situations, and characterising hazards for prioritised control measures, employers can create a safer working environment.