Identifying hazards

A hazard is something that has the potential to harm the health, safety and welfare of people at work. Examples of hazards include unsafe manual handling tasks, unsafe use of chemicals and the use of electrical plant in wet areas.

Identifying hazards in the workplace is the starting point for the hazard management process. Hazard identification should be an integral part of workplace culture, involving everyone in the workplace. Identification can range from employees reporting any hazardous situations that may occur to their employer, to a formal and regular workplace inspection.

Identifying hazards involves gathering and recording information about what is happening in the workplace.

Hazards must be reported at the time that the people in the workplace notice them. This is usually done on the first section of a hazard control log. In some cases immediate action can be taken to prevent injuries. This will need to be followed by permanent control measures.

You will add to this log at each stage of the hazard management process.