14 Jun Hazard Recognition

Hazard Recognition

Workplace incidents do not simply “just happen.” Most have identifiable causes, such as unrecognized hazards, poor planning, unsafe conditions, improper equipment, inadequate controls, or unsafe work practices. Recognizing hazards before work begins—and as conditions change—is one of the most effective ways to prevent injuries.

What Can Go Wrong?

Even when employees are trained and the correct tools and materials are available, problems can develop. Common contributing factors include:

• Rushing or taking shortcuts.
• Inadequate pre-job planning.
• Failure to recognize changing conditions.
• Using the wrong tool or equipment.
• Poor communication or coordination between workers or contractors.
• Improperly controlled energy sources.
• Inadequate PPE or other protective measures.
• Distractions, congestion, poor lighting, weather, or other environmental conditions.
• Continuing work after conditions have changed.

Incidents often involve more than one contributing factor, which is why employees should evaluate the entire task rather than focusing on only one obvious hazard.

Never Sacrifice Safety for Production

Production goals, deadlines, and schedules must never take priority over safe work practices.

Do not:

• Bypass guards or safety devices to save time.
• Skip required inspections or pre-task planning.
• Use the wrong tool because the correct one is inconvenient to obtain.
• Work without required PPE or fall protection.
• Ignore lockout/tagout or other established procedures.
• Continue working when an uncontrolled hazard exists.

A shortcut may save a few minutes, but an injury can stop the entire job.

Plan Before You Begin

Before starting work, take time to understand the task and identify what could go wrong. Remember the Five Ps: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

Consider:

• What work will be performed?
• What hazards are associated with each step?
• What could unexpectedly change or go wrong?
• Who could be affected by the work?
• What controls are necessary?
• What PPE is required?
• What should be done if conditions change?

Use the company’s required hazard assessment, JSA/JHA, pre-task plan, or other planning process when applicable.

Identify the Hazards

Before beginning work, ask:

• Does the actual jobsite match the plans and expected conditions?
• Are the necessary materials available?
• Are the correct tools and equipment available and in safe condition?
• Are employees properly trained and authorized for their assigned tasks?
• Are enough employees available to perform the work safely?
• Are lighting, noise, temperature, wind, rain, or other environmental conditions creating hazards?
• Are vehicles, equipment, pedestrians, or other contractors working nearby?
• Have affected employees and contractors been informed about hazardous operations?
• Are electrical, fall, excavation, confined-space, chemical, or other special hazards present?
• Are appropriate controls in place before work begins?

Anticipate, Evaluate, and Control

Effective hazard recognition can be approached in three steps:

Anticipate – Think about what could cause injury, illness, or damage before beginning the task.

Evaluate – Determine the seriousness of the hazard, who may be exposed, and whether existing safeguards are adequate.

Control – Eliminate the hazard whenever feasible. When elimination is not possible, use appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls, safe work practices, and PPE.

Reassess When Conditions Change

Hazard recognition does not end when the job begins. Stop and reassess the work whenever:

• The scope or procedure changes.
• New equipment, materials, or chemicals are introduced.
• Weather or environmental conditions change.
• Another contractor or work crew enters the area.
• Guards, barricades, or other controls are removed or altered.
• An unexpected condition or new hazard is discovered.

Employees should report hazards promptly and stop work when an uncontrolled condition presents a serious danger.

Remember

Don’t wait for an incident to reveal a hazard. Plan the work, identify what could go wrong, establish the necessary controls, and continually reassess conditions. Anticipate, evaluate, and control hazards before someone gets hurt.