Coordinate scheduled hazard identification activities, ensuring hazards are identified at times designated by legislation.
Hazard identification and risk assessment
A good way to coordinate hazard identification activities is to encourage use of template documents in order to identify hazards, such as checklists and reports.
Hazard identification and risk assessment template documents may include:
➢ Self-designed tools developed for the organisation as part of a work health and safety
management system
➢ Checklists
➢ Tools and templates developed:
o by external consultancy services
o by industry associations for use of member businesses
o for public use by, and found within, business
management publications, including those developed by
work health and safety government regulators.
These can be lengthened by adding more potential hazards. They would be good to use as part of an inspection of general hazards in the workplace.
If a member of staff finds a hazard they may then need to complete an identification form.
A hazard identification form would include information on:
➢ The identification of the hazard – e.g. what the hazard is and why it is a hazard.
➢ The assessment of the hazard – e.g. its potential consequences and the severity of those
➢ The control measures that need to be introduced – e.g. the short term and long term actions.
Another example may be a job safety sheet.
Job safety sheets include:
➢ The date of the report
➢ Location or department
➢ A reference
➢ What is being assessed?
➢ Who is assessing it/found the hazard?
➢ Manager or supervisor of the department signature.
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A job safety sheet allows for steps to be taken to control the risks encountered performing duties and responsibilities in your day to day role.
Assessment criteria may include those:
➢ Determined by legislation
➢ Developed by external consultancy services
➢ Outlined in Australian standards
➢ Self-determined for the organisation as part of a work health and safety management system
➢ Suggested by industry associations for use by member businesses.
Types of hazards
There are many types of hazards that exist in every workplace. Some are easily identified and corrected, while others may be more difficult to identify or correct. Hazards can cause dangerous situations that can cause serious harm or affect your long-term health. By identifying and reporting hazards in your workplace you can help to reduce harm.
There are many types of workplace hazards, including:
➢ Physical hazards – Arguably the most common type of hazard, and many can be easily corrected. E.g. Frayed electrical cords, loose wires, unguarded machinery, exposed moving parts, constant loud noise, vibrations, scaffolding or heights, spills, tripping hazards.
➢ Ergonomic hazards – Hazards that occur because of your working conditions and strain on your body. Many of these hazards can be unseen in that they don’t affect your health immediately, but in the long term. E.g. Poor lighting, frequent, heavy or improper lifting, repetitive or awkward movements, incorrectly adjusted workstations
and chairs.
➢ Chemical hazards – Hazards that come from working with chemicals. E.g. Cleaning products and solvents, vapours and fumes, carbon monoxide or other gases, gasoline or other flammable materials.
➢ Biological hazards – Hazards that come from working with people, animals or other infectious materials. E.g. blood or other bodily fluids, bacteria and viruses, insect bites, animal and bird droppings.
Hazards can come from:
➢ Physical environment, for example: Electrical items, equipment, flooring, hot and cold environments, lighting, noise levels, working space of any workers
➢ Plant, for example – Appliances, equipment, machinery and tools
➢ Working practices, for example – Length of time spent at certain tasks and allocation of breaks, opening and closing procedures, rostering of staff and shift allocation, security procedures, standard operating procedures for work related tasks.
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