Hazard Identification Guide: How to Identify Workplace Hazards
This hazard identification guide provides a structured approach to finding workplace hazards before they contribute to injury or ill health. Effective identification combines observation, consultation, task analysis and relevant workplace evidence.
What Is Hazard Identification?
Hazard identification is the process of recognizing sources, situations or activities with the potential to cause harm. It provides the foundation for subsequent risk assessment and control.
Observe Work as It Is Actually Performed
Walk through the workplace and observe tasks, equipment, movement, materials and environmental conditions. Compare actual work with documented procedures where relevant.
Consult the People Performing the Work
Workers can identify task difficulties, unusual conditions and control weaknesses that may not be apparent during a brief inspection.
Tasks
Examine routine, non-routine, maintenance and abnormal activities.
Equipment & Energy
Consider machinery, electricity, pressure, movement, stored energy and other relevant sources.
Environment
Consider access, surfaces, noise, temperature, substances, layout and other conditions.
Review Incident and Near-Miss Information
Previous events can reveal hazards and control failures. Use this information as one input while also looking for hazards that have not yet produced an incident.
Identify Hazards Before Change
New equipment, substances, processes, layouts and responsibilities can introduce hazards. Include hazard identification during planning rather than waiting until new work is operational.
Move From Hazard Identification to Risk Assessment
Once hazards are identified, evaluate the associated risk and determine whether controls are adequate.
