How to identify OHS Hazards

Developing an Occupational Health and Safety Policy requires first the identification of hazards and risks present in the work environment. Here are some effective ways to find and analyze risks in the workplace. Use these as a guide and customize to suit your workplace:

Know the types of hazard to look for.
• Physical Hazard like unguarded machinery and slippery surfaces.
• Biological hazards which can expose the worker to disease, such as unhygienic restrooms or poor cleaning procedures.
• Chemical Hazards from liquids and powders found in cleaning products or used in manufacture.
• Manual Handling risks where employees are performing tasks that involve lifting or repetitive strain.
• Non-physical Hazards like bullying or inappropriate working hours that create stress or psychological distress.

How to identify hazards.
• Walk through inspection of premises by one or two people with either expertise or assisted by a “what to look for” guide.
• Create your own team project where staff are involved in conducting surveys or interviewing department representatives.
• Collection and analysis of past incident reports and history.
• On-Site Assessments by third party experts.

When identifying risks in the workplace it is a good idea to use a combination of the above methods for a comprehensive and objective report on which hazards are present.