Learning Topic 4 Contribute to hazard identification, OHS risk assessment and risk control activities
This topic should provide you with the ability to:
Report identified hazards and inadequacies in risk controls
Check the workplace for hazards using itemised checklist(s) and contribute to risk assessments
Provide input to development and implementation of control measures, with reference to the hierarchy of control
Section 4.2 Check the workplace for hazards using itemised checklist(s) in accordance with work procedures
Hazard identification
The first step in the risk management process is known as hazard identification. A hazard is anything that can harm people. Risks to people’s health or safety arise from hazards. All the types of potential hazards present in a particular job or task need to be considered, and the risks presented by these hazards need to be assessed to work out how likely they are to cause harm, and how serious the harm might be.
Types of hazards
Many kinds of hazards are found in workplaces:
Chemical hazards are substances which can harm people’s health when they are breathed in or absorbed through the skin, or when they irritate the skin. Examples include some kinds of dusts, vapours and fumes. Cigarette smoke is a chemical hazard, as are asbestos fibres in the air. Substances such as pesticides, solvents, ozone and printer toner can present chemical hazards. Chemical hazards can poison people or make them ill, if enough of them is absorbed into the body.
Physical hazards include electricity, noise, temperature, lighting and vibration. For example, excessive noise can cause noise-induced hearing loss, fine work done in poor lighting can cause eye strain, and excessive heat can cause a range of health effects, like heat stress.
Biological hazards such as infectious diseases can also be present in workplaces. For example, workers in a child care centre can get contagious diseases from the children.
Lifting and moving loads can cause back injuries and other strain or sprain injuries. Occupational overuse syndrome can result from work practices and work organisation which involve people working in postures which are uncomfortable or which do not involve enough variety.
Psychological stress can result from workplace violence, bullying, threats or intimidation.
Some samples of OHS forms and tables
1. Click to see a table of workplace hazards.
2. Click to see a Checklist for occupational hazards.
3. Click to see an example of common workplace hazards and methods of control.
This table outlines several examples of how hazards and risks can be controlled. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Remember the importance of assessing each risk and developing appropriate control strategies, which should meet the needs of that particular hazard or risk.
Examples of common workplace hazards and methods of control
Outlined below are several examples of how hazards and risks can be controlled.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Remember the importance of assessing each risk and developing appropriate control strategies, which should meet the needs of that particular hazard or risk.
Hazard identification in summary
In summary, it is important to remember that effective hazard identification requires the implementation of a variety of systematic methods. No single method alone will be able to effectively identify all the hazards in the workplace.
Take some time now to try your hand at the Hazard ID Quiz below.
Activity 4.2: Hazard identification quiz
Try your hand at these True/False questions.
1. Hazards are something that have the potential to cause harm, injury, illness or disease.
2. Whilst there is a range of different workplace hazards the majority can be grouped into six main categories.
3. Consultation is an important part of hazard identification.
4. One single method should be used to identify hazards in the workplace.
