Definition of Hazard Assessment
A hazard assessment involves a systematic approach to identify fixed and active (task-related) hazards. Hazard assessment also requires the identification of risks / risk level (priority) of identified hazards, appropriate controls, and a review of applicable emergency procedures that may be relevant to the hazards.
Purpose
The objective of hazard assessment is:
•To reduce the potential for loss by educating Power Tech Industries Ltd. workers on the potential hazards and the required controls. All hazard controls must follow applicable OHS regulations.
•A list of hazards found on Power Tech Industries Ltd. work sites (or worksites that employees are routinely exposed to), or related to specific tasks, the risks associated with these hazards, including the required hazard controls and emergency procedures, will be used to educate workers during on-site orientations, training sessions, safety meetings, and hazard assessment.
•To determine direction and program elements (hazard controls) required for an effective HSE program.
Responsibility
Management is responsible to ensure that formal, written hazard assessments are completed on all permanent and temporary worksites and that identified controls are implemented and followed through. Employees and Contractors are expected to share this responsibility and participate (or sometimes lead) the hazard assessment process. Other personnel (especially those required to work in these areas) must also be involved in the hazard assessment process.
Timing & Frequency
Hazard assessments are to be completed for any task performed by employees or full-time contractors and for all Company owned worksites. Hazard assessment shall be revised and revisited at least annually and / or as follows:
•Before new tasks are undertaken,
•When there is a change in scope of a task,
•When a new hazard has been identified,
•When new equipment or work environment changes.
•Critical risk assessment is to be performed if any of the above occurs.
This ensures that all Power Tech Industries Ltd. employees are following correct procedures, and that equipment is in proper working condition, e.g.: tools, equipment. An assessment should be done at intervals that anticipate problems before the safety and health of workers is affected.
A unique hazard assessment need not be performed for each work site. If a worker faces the same hazards at multiple work sites, and the safe work practices to be followed are identical at each site, then a single hazard assessment applicable to all sites is acceptable.
Performing Hazard Assessments
When assessing hazards, keep it simple – don’t get too complicated. Utilize the appropriate Hazard Assessment checklist (see Forms section). The process should follow the steps identified below:
Hazard Assessment Process
