Checklist For Potential Workplace Hazards

In workplace hazards led to 3.3 million non-fatal and 4,340 fatal injuries in privately-owned, publicly traded and nonprofit organizations in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, defines a hazard as, "the potential for harm" that is "associated with a condition or activity that, if left uncontrolled, can result in an injury or illness." Taking the time to develop and implement a workplace hazard checklist protects employees, saves money and supports business success.

Hazard Management

Organizational leadership must lead hazard reduction and workplace safety efforts. The operating budget must include sufficient funds to make hazard management a priority. A chief safety officer, with overall responsibility for organizational safety, should be appointed. This person drives the development and implementation of hazard identification and mitigation policies and procedures, and ensures that all managers and employees receive appropriate hazard awareness and control training.

Identify Hazard Standards

Many workplace processes have hazard and safety standards set by OSHA or industry-specific associations. For example, OSHA's noise level standard permits worker exposure to a noise level of 90 decibels for eight hours. This is equal to the sound of truck traffic or a cello. Workers may be exposed to 115 decibels of noise -- equal to sand blasting or a loud rock concert for only 15 minutes per day without hearing protection. Identify the OSHA and industry standards for each area of operations and use them to develop specific checklists by department, equipment, process and overall site hazards.

Identify Potential Hazards

Successfully identifying hazards is the key to preventing workplace injuries. Conduct an analysis of each work process identifying and documenting each step in the process. For each step, ask questions to identify hazards. For example, what machine and equipment are used in the process; can any body part or article of clothing get caught between machine parts? Are workers required to lift, push, or pull heavy objects? Find out if workers use potentially dangerous chemicals, or are exposed to radiation, dust, fumes or mists in the air. Identify environmental hazards, including heat and cold, likelihood of slips and falls, noise levels and the danger of falling objects.

Hazard Risk Management

An effective risk assessment begins with an analysis of the history of injuries and illnesses associated with the work. Each hazard is evaluated to determine the likelihood of it causing an accident and consequences of the accident. Risk assessment examines a number of factors including the workers -- their training and experience, the tasks they complete and the equipment they use. It also identifies the number of workers exposed to the hazard -- how long and how often are they exposed.

Hazard Prevention and Control

Once hazards have been identified and their risk assessed, steps must be taken to prevent or control them, beginning with the most hazardous. A hazard may be eliminated by choosing a less hazardous process, modifying an existing process; or modifying tools or equipment. Steps may be taken to contain or control a hazard, if it cannot be eliminated. Hazards may be controlled by installing machine guards, safety scaffolding, hand railings or slip-proof floor mats and requiring the use of personal safety equipment such as ear plugs.

• 3232306d098884938495cf734c31f03aa1.jpg