How to Identify Health and Safety Hazards in the Workplace
Table of Contents
- Methods of Hazard Identification
- Process Hazard Identification
- Worker Engagement
- Inspections and Workplace Observation
- Housekeeping and Hazard Control
- Use of Monitoring Equipment
- References
- Bibliography
Methods of Hazard Identification
The methods of identifying health and safety hazards within the organization include various risk assessment methods which are carried out by an informed decision that the process must be able to meet and improve specific health and safety needs by eliminating or reducing risks. Each method has been developed for a specific range of circumstances taking many factors into account including the physical resources and instruments required to undertake the analysis. There is also the issue of competence required to undertake a health and safety identification activity.
Process Hazard Identification
Process hazards identification according to (Health and Safety Labroratory, 2000) “are used to evaluate possible hazards due to mal-operations associated with the process, and to identify any potential hazards. The techniques predominantly deal with hazards due to deviation from the normal operating conditions (e.g. temperature, pressure), and the presence of harmful materials."
Worker Engagement
Engaging workers is also paramount and can be achieved through meetings and employee surveys. Where workers are fully committed to their work and the success of the company by identifying hazards and providing feedback and suggestions on ways to increase efficiencies and improve the work environment. (Boeldt, 2017) also delves into Organizations that are challenged getting employees to recognize and react to hazards which compromise the day-to-day operations, inhibit a company’s growth and put workers’ safety at risk.
Inspections and Workplace Observation
Inspections of physical resources like work equipment and workspaces also provide an avenue for hazard identification. The inspections are carried out in teams composed of an inspector and other selected members who may pass as observers. The idea of putting together a team to carry out Inspections is to promote Health and Safety awareness of risks.
Housekeeping and Hazard Control
Housekeeping of workspaces prior to work activities also account for a good way of identifying trip and other hazards so that they are eliminated where applicable. Whereby all interested parties become committed to proactively identify hazards and control risks. Senior Management is actively involved in health and safety hazard identification and is committed to eliminating them. “Effective housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards and help get a job done safely and properly. Poor housekeeping can frequently contribute to accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries. If the sight of paper, debris, clutter and spills is accepted as normal, then other more serious health and safety hazards may be taken for granted (Health Safety Environment, 2021)”.
Use of Monitoring Equipment
The organization also utilize instruments to determine the level of exposure to workers carrying out specific tasks. One of such is a confined space work activity. Per the procedures of the company, a multipurpose gas detector is used to identify hazards in confined space that have the potential to affect the health and safety of workers and may lead to death. The gas detectors can monitor up to seven gasses at the same time or even more. Depending on the make of equipment. As they are equipped with sensors to monitor oxygen levels, carbon monoxide, and detect the presence of combustible and toxic gases in the environment, the gas detector possesses functions that can also record data of gas concentrations, and occupational exposure limit value on display. Where dangerous levels may indicate that additional systems will have to be employed to eliminate risks. (531 Words)
4. Know how to identify, assess and control health and safety risks
References
Boeldt, M., 2017. How Engaged Workers are Safe Employees. [Online]
Available at: https://www.ehstoday.com/safety/article/21919203/how-engaged-workers-
are-safe-employees
[Accessed 15 March 2021].
Health and Safety Labroratory, 2000. Review of Hazard Identification Techniques. In: . J. Gould , M. Glossop & . A. Ioannides, eds. Review of Hazard Identification Techniques. Sheffield: Health and Safety Executive, pp. 6-7.
Health Safety Environment, 2021. Workplace Housekeeping. [Online]
Available at: https://sites.google.com/site/mostafaanwarhse/workplace-housekeeping
[Accessed 15 March 2021].
Bibliography
Simsekler, M.C.E., Kaya, G.K., Ward, J.R. and Clarkson, P.J., 2019. Evaluating inputs of failure modes and effects analysis in identifying patient safety risks. International journal of health care quality assurance.
Kletz, T.A., 1999. HAZOP and HAZAN: identifying and assessing process industry hazards. IChemE.
