What is risk

Potential hazards and risks vary depending on the specific job or task. A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is recommended to identify these hazards and implement appropriate controls. A JSA involves:

• Breaking down the job into a sequence of steps.
• Identifying potential hazards at each step.
• Determining preventive measures to control these hazards.
• Communicating the results to all participants. [4]

When identifying potential hazards, consider factors such as:

• Whether any body part can get caught in or between objects.
• Hazards presented by tools, machines, or equipment.
• The possibility of harmful contact with moving objects.
• Slip, trip, or fall hazards.
• Strain from lifting, pushing, or pulling.
• Exposure to extreme heat or cold.
• Excessive noise or vibration.
• Dangers from falling objects.
• Lighting problems.
• Weather conditions.
• Harmful radiation.
• Contact with hot, toxic, or caustic products.
• Dusts, fumes, mists, or vapors in the air. [3]

Preventive measures should be implemented following the hierarchy of controls:

1. Eliminate the hazard: This is the most effective measure and can involve choosing a different process, modifying an existing one, substituting with a less hazardous product, improving ventilation, or changing equipment or tools. 2. Contain the hazard: If elimination is not possible, prevent contact using enclosures, machine guards, or worker booths. 3. Revise work procedures: Modify hazardous steps, change the sequence of steps, or add additional steps such as locking out energy sources. 4. Reduce the exposure: Minimize the number of times the hazard is encountered, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and provide emergency facilities like eyewash stations. [1] [2] [2] [2]

Specific statements describing the action to be taken and how to perform it are preferable to general statements like "be careful". [2]