Hazard Analysis: The First Step
Job-related injuries occur every day in the workplace. Often these injuries occur because employees are not trained in the proper job procedure. Frequently, work proceeds immediately after the materials and tolls are laid out. However, one step is required by OSHA before any work is performed, and that is a hazard analysis.
One of the best ways to prevent workplace injuries is to perform a jobsite hazard analysis to determine safe work methods and personal protective equipment required.
Establishing proper job procedures is one of the benefits of conducting a job hazard analysis- that is, carefully studying and recording each step of a job, identifying existing or potential safety and health hazards, and determining the best way to perform the job to reduce or eliminate these hazards.
Improved job methods from a hazard analysis can reduce costs resulting from employee absenteeism and workers compensation, and can often lead to increased productivity.
A jobsite hazard analysis is not a “file and forget” type of document. OSHA requires “regular and frequent” jobsite inspections to be performed by “competent persons.” While regular and frequent is not defined in the regulations, it is generally understood to mean when the character of work, location of work, or personnel changes occur. Those times would be a proper time for another jobsite check.
The jobsite inspections are not required to be in writing; however, it is highly recommended to better pursue and correct deficiencies, and to keep a paper trail to demonstrate jobsite inspections are part of your company’s overall safety program. Hazard analysis forms help guide you through a typical jobsite with additions to the form made for your particular situation.
A hazard analysis performed on the jobsite should be the first step before work is started. The general items to look for are developed from the “focused” inspection procedures developed by OSHA.
These items are:
- Falling: This may be tripping or slipping on the same level, or falling to a lower level. Naturally, guardrails at openings are to be looked for, but items such as poor housekeeping, and defective ladders should also be considered.
- Struck by or against: Equipment and material movement patterns should be looked at to determine if workers may be struck by such items.
- Caught in or between: This includes confined spaces, or any tight or moving spaces that can trap all or part of a worker. Proper tool and equipment guarding should be considered.
- Contact with: This may be temperature extremes, hazardous materials or chemicals, and electrical current. Avoidance or personal protective equipment is usually required.
- Inhalation, Ingestion: Look for toxic vapors or fumes, and poisonous substances. Proper sanitation by washing up before eating can help prevent ingestion of hazardous chemicals.