What's your process for assessing site hazards before starting work?

1 Review the job scope

The first step in assessing site hazards is to review the job scope and understand what tasks, tools, and materials you will need to complete the work. This will help you anticipate potential hazards and plan accordingly. For example, if you need to work at heights, you will need to ensure you have the proper fall protection equipment and training. If you need to work with electrical components, you will need to follow the lockout/tagout procedures and use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

3 Use a site hazard checklist

A site hazard checklist is a tool that helps you identify and evaluate the specific hazards that may affect your work. It can be based on a generic template or customized to your industry, company, or client. A site hazard checklist typically covers the following categories: physical hazards, chemical hazards, biological hazards, ergonomic hazards, and psychosocial hazards. You should use the checklist to rate the severity and likelihood of each hazard, and determine the appropriate control measures to eliminate or reduce them.

4 Implement control measures

Control measures are the actions you take to prevent or minimize the exposure to site hazards. They can be classified into four types, according to the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls. Elimination means removing the hazard completely from the site. Substitution means replacing the hazard with a less harmful alternative. Engineering controls mean modifying the design or layout of the site or equipment to isolate or reduce the hazard. Administrative controls mean changing the way you work or behave to avoid or limit the hazard. You should always try to use the highest level of control possible, and consult with your supervisor or client if you need assistance or approval.

5 Communicate and document

The final step in assessing site hazards is to communicate and document your findings and actions. You should inform your supervisor, client, and co-workers of any hazards or issues you encountered or resolved, and any recommendations or suggestions you have for improving the site safety. You should also complete and submit any required forms or reports, such as a job safety analysis (JSA), a hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA), or a near miss report. You should keep a copy of your records for future reference and follow-up.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?