This training module outlines essential steps in hazard identification and risk assessment for workplace safety, emphasizing the significance of recognizing, evaluating, and mitigating risks. It details practices for identifying hazards, assessing risks through risk matrices, and implementing a hierarchy of controls involving worker engagement. Continuous monitoring and review, coupled with a systematic approach, are crucial for improving safety processes and fostering a culture of safety.

1. Hazards Identification and Risk
Assessment
This training module covers the key steps in hazard identification and risk assessment, a crucial process for
ensuring workplace safety. It provides a comprehensive overview of best practices for recognizing, evaluating, and
mitigating risks.
by sanjeev kumar

2. Identifying Hazards
Recognize potential sources of harm, including physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial factors.
Conduct thorough workplace inspections and engage workers to uncover hidden hazards.
Review incident reports, near-misses, and industry benchmarks to identify common risks.
1 Tips
Use checklists,
brainstorming, and job
hazard analysis.
2 Consider
Routine and non-routine
activities, human behavior,
and infrastructure.
3 Categorize
By type (safety, health,
environment) and
likelihood/severity.

3. Assessing Risks
Evaluate the potential impact and likelihood of each identified hazard.
Determine the level of risk using a risk matrix or other qualitative/quantitative methods.
Prioritize risks based on their severity and the organization's tolerance.
Severity
Catastrophic, major, moderate,
minor
Likelihood
Frequent, likely, occasional,
remote
Risk Level
High, medium, low

4. Developing Controls
Implement a hierarchy of controls to mitigate the most critical risks.
Consider engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment (PPE) solutions.
Involve workers in the control selection process for better acceptance and compliance.
1
Eliminate
Remove the hazard entirely
2
Substitute
Replace with a less hazardous option
3
Engineer
Isolate people from the hazard

5. Monitoring and Review
Regularly review the effectiveness of controls and update the risk assessment.
Incorporate worker feedback and monitor for new or changing hazards.
Document the entire HIRA process for compliance and continuous improvement.
Audit
Inspect controls and behaviors
periodically
Investigate
Analyze incidents and near-
misses
Communicate
Inform workers of changes and
train them

6. HIRA Best Practices
Involve cross-functional teams to bring diverse perspectives and expertise.
Use standardized templates and tools to ensure consistency and compliance.
Maintain thorough documentation to demonstrate due diligence.
Collaboration
Engage workers and stakeholders
Standardization
Use templates and tools
Documentation
Maintain records and audit trails

7. Holistic Approach
HIRA should be integrated into all business processes and decision-making.
Foster a culture of safety where workers are empowered to identify and mitigate risks.
Continuously improve the HIRA process through feedback, benchmarking, and innovation.
Embed
Integrate HIRA into operations
Empower
Engage and train all workers
Evolve
Continuously improve the HIRA
process

8. Key Takeaways
Hazard identification and risk assessment is a critical process for workplace safety.
Adopt a systematic approach to recognize, evaluate, and control risks effectively.
Continuously monitor, review, and improve the HIRA process for long-term success.
Identify Recognize potential sources of harm
Assess Evaluate likelihood and severity of risks
Control Implement a hierarchy of mitigating measures
Monitor Review and update the HIRA process