Folsom, CA (PressExposure) October 21, 2010 -- The online Hazwoper Safety Training courses help students and trainees identify workplace hazards, using a systematic approach. This hazard identification plan has in turn helped thousands of workers lead safe and healthy lives. There are a variety of hazard identification strategies that can be implemented. But despite these variations, every plan must include these three basic steps:
1.Identify: Use periodic surveys, inspections and simple observations to identify workplace hazards. Look for hazards in various equipment, materials, the environment and that which could be caused by employees. According to SAIF, about 3% of all accidents are caused by the first three of these. The remaining 97% are caused by the fourth category -'people'. Use individual interviews, walk-around inspections and formal observation programs to identify hazards that could be caused by people. Never play the blame game, but instead look for ways to improve your workplace safety and health standards.
2.Analyze: Once a potential hazard or an unsafe work practice has been identified, the analysis or assessment procedures can begin. An analysis must always be conducted, for it takes a closer look at the hazard, in order to determine its nature and root cause. In this process one also looks at what must be accomplished, in order to reduce or eliminate the impact of the hazard. A good approach to analysis, is to have employees who are the most familiar with the problem area, go step-by-step through their job process. Write down and describe each step. Then analyze each step to determine its impact on the potential hazard(s) and how the hazard can be eliminated or reduced. This is called a 'Job Hazard Analysis'. You can also do a process analysis, which breaks a process down into its component parts.
3.Develop Solutions: Once the source of the hazard has been identified and assessed, then one can start developing ideas for possible solutions. For instance, take a look at the Engineering Controls, Management Controls and Interim Controls. Yes! You can banish all those unwanted workplace mishaps, with this three step hazard identification plan.