1. Hazard Identification
Identify hazards is an essential step to guarantee workplace safety. It involves :
the methodical identification of potential hazards inside a workplace, and;
the evaluation of the associated risks.
Example : Hazard and associated risk
Hazard: A wet or slippery floor in a workplace constitutes a hazard.
Risk: The risk associated with a slippery floor is the risk of slip and fall accidents.
This risk depends on factors like the type of flooring material, presence of warning signs, cleaning procedures, and footwear.
For example, if a spillage is promptly cleaned up, warning signs are placed to alert people, and employees wear slip-resistant footwear, the risk of slips and falls is minimised. However, if spills are left unattended, warning signs are missing, or employees wear inappropriate footwear, the risk of accidents and injuries increases.