Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control Measures

Date: 2026-01-02

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To understand the importance of hazard identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of effective control measures to prevent workplace incidents and injuries.

Introduction

This toolbox talk will cover the guidelines and procedures for hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures. Understanding these principles is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.

Key Points

• Importance of Hazard Identification: Identifying potential hazards before starting any task allows for proactive implementation of control measures, reducing the likelihood of incidents.
  • Look for potential hazards in your work area.
  • Report any hazards to your supervisor immediately.
• Risk Assessment Process: Risk assessment involves evaluating the severity and probability of potential incidents associated with identified hazards. This helps prioritize control measures.
  • Assess the potential consequences of each hazard.
  • Determine the likelihood of the hazard causing an incident.
• Hierarchy of Controls: The hierarchy of controls prioritizes control measures from the most effective to the least effective. It includes elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
  • Elimination: Remove the hazard completely.
  • Substitution: Replace the hazard with a safer alternative.
  • Engineering Controls: Isolate people from the hazard.
  • Administrative Controls: Change the way people work.
  • PPE: Protect the worker with personal protective equipment.
• De-energizing Electrical Circuits: Always de-energize electrical circuits before doing any type of work on them. [1] [3]

Hazard Identification

• Electrical Hazards: Electric shock, burns, electrocution, falls due to contact with electrical energy. [3] [5]
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Injuries ranging from minor sprains to severe fractures, head trauma, or even fatalities.
• Fire Hazards: Burns, smoke inhalation, property damage, and potential fatalities. [12]
• Equipment Malfunctions: Injuries due to unexpected equipment failure, lack of guarding, or improper maintenance.

Control Measures

• De-energize and Lockout/Tagout: Always de-energize electrical systems before working on them. Use lockout devices to prevent circuits from becoming live. [2] [1] [3]
• Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs protect against electrical faults by quickly cutting off power when a ground fault is detected. [8] [9]
• Implement Proper Housekeeping: Keep work areas clean, dry, and free of clutter to prevent slips, trips, and falls. [13]
• Regular Equipment Inspections: Inspect equipment before use to ensure it is in safe working order. [6]
• Fall Protection: Use guardrails or body harnesses with lanyards where there is a risk of falls greater than 6 feet. [10] [10]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying particles, dust, and chemical splashes. Ensure eyewear is marked with 'Z87+' for impact resistance. [11] [14] [15]
• Gloves: Wear appropriate gloves to protect your hands from electrical shock, cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure. [3] [7]
• Appropriate Footwear: Wear sturdy, slip-resistant footwear to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Steel-toed boots may be required for certain tasks to protect against impact hazards.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. Can you describe a situation where you identified a hazard and implemented a control measure?
2. What are some common hazards associated with our current tasks?
3. How can we improve our hazard identification and risk assessment processes?

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of a fire, activate the nearest fire alarm, evacuate the area, and proceed to the designated assembly point. [12]
2. In the event of an electrical shock, immediately shut off the power source if safe to do so. Call for medical assistance and administer first aid. [4]

Questions and Answers

• Q: What should I do if I identify a hazard that I cannot control myself?

A: Report the hazard to your supervisor immediately. Do not attempt to correct the hazard unless you are trained and authorized to do so.

• Q: How often should equipment be inspected?

A: Equipment should be inspected before each use to ensure it is in safe working order. [6]

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures are essential for preventing workplace incidents.
• Always de-energize and lockout/tagout electrical equipment before performing maintenance or repairs. [2]
• Use the hierarchy of controls to implement the most effective control measures possible.
• Wear the appropriate PPE for the task and ensure it is in good condition. [7]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

1. Actively participate in hazard identification and risk assessment processes.
2. Report any identified hazards to your supervisor immediately.
3. Follow all established control measures and safe work procedures.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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