Hazard and Risk Assessment Checklist
Preparation
- Gather a team of relevant stakeholders (e.g., employees, supervisors, safety professionals)
- Define the scope and purpose of the assessment
- Establish clear criteria for hazard and risk identification and assessment
Hazard Identification
- Physical Hazards: Inspect the workplace for potential trip hazards (protruding cables, uneven surfaces), sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, electrical hazards, and fire risks.
- Mechanical Hazards: Assess machinery and equipment for pinch points, moving parts, noise levels, and vibration.
- Ergonomic Hazards: Evaluate work postures, lifting tasks, and repetitive motions that could lead to musculoskeletal disorders.
- Environmental Hazards: Determine exposure to extreme temperatures, noise, poor lighting, or hazardous substances in the air or water.
- Psychosocial Hazards: Identify factors such as high workload, lack of control over tasks, or conflict that could contribute to mental stress.
Risk Assessment
- Determine the likelihood of each hazard occurring (Low, Medium, High)
- Assess the potential severity of the consequences (Minor, Major, Catastrophic)
- Calculate the overall risk level (Likelihood x Consequence)
Gap Analysis and Action Planning
- Compare the identified hazards and risks to existing safety measures
- Identify any gaps or areas for improvement
- Develop action plans to address the gaps, including:
- Eliminate or reduce hazards at the source
- Implement engineering controls (e.g., guards, barriers)
- Provide personal protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses, gloves)
- Train employees on hazard recognition and prevention
- Establish policies and procedures for safe work practices
Evaluation
- Regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of the action plans
- Track incidents and near-misses to identify any new hazards or emerging risks
- Make necessary adjustments to the hazard and risk assessment process based on feedback and performance data
Continuous Improvement
- Engage stakeholders in ongoing discussions to identify and address safety concerns
- Utilize tools and techniques such as job hazard analysis, risk matrices, and root cause analysis to enhance the effectiveness of hazard and risk management
- Foster a culture of safety awareness and responsibility throughout the organization