Identifying hazards
Audio for slide 1 (mp3 |6|KB)
A hazard is anything that might harm the health or safety of someone.
Depending on the workplace, it could include airborne dust, sharp objects, obstacles, electrical currents, vehicles, noise, or anything else that might cause an injury or illness.
Depending on the workplace, it could include airborne dust, sharp objects, obstacles, electrical currents, vehicles, noise, or anything else that might cause an injury or illness.
Audio for slide 2 (mp3 |6|KB)
The most obvious way to identify hazards is to go out into the workplace and look for them.
But there are other methods of finding potential hazards.
But there are other methods of finding potential hazards.
Audio for slide 3 (mp3 |6|KB)
Here are the most common methods used to identify hazards:
- carry out a workplace inspection
- talk to employees and safety representatives
- check injury records
- get expert advice from an industry consultant
- review the codes of practice and other advisory documents.
Learning activity
Audio 4 (mp3 |6|KB)To be effective at identifying hazards, you need to know what sorts of injuries tend to be associated with particular work conditions, or types of machines, or certain sorts of tasks.
Have a look at the statistics table on the link below to see what the most common injuries are in the manufacturing industry, and the main causes of those injuries.
Have you or your work mates ever suffered any of these injuries? Think about the causes and any changes you made afterwards to the way you did your job. Did these changes reduce the chance of the injury happening again?
Share your answers with your trainer and other learners in your group.
Go to Assessing risks