Workplace Hazard Assessment Guide

What Is a Workplace Hazard?

A hazard is any source of potential harm, injury, or adverse health effect on a person. Hazards can be physical (e.g., slippery floors, unguarded machinery), chemical (e.g., solvents, WHMIS-controlled products), biological (e.g., mold, bloodborne pathogens), ergonomic (e.g., repetitive strain, awkward postures), or psychosocial (e.g., workplace violence, high-demand workloads).

The 4-Step Assessment Process

• Step 1 — Identify: Walk through the workplace systematically; involve workers; review incident and near-miss records; check equipment manuals and SDSs
• Step 2 — Assess Risk: Estimate the likelihood and severity of potential harm for each hazard; use a risk matrix to prioritize (High / Medium / Low)
• Step 3 — Control: Apply the hierarchy of controls—elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE—in order of preference
• Step 4 — Document and Monitor: Record identified hazards, risk ratings, and controls implemented; set a review date and verify effectiveness

The Hierarchy of Controls

• Elimination — physically remove the hazard (most effective)
• Substitution — replace the hazard with something safer
• Engineering Controls — isolate people from the hazard (guards, ventilation)
• Administrative Controls — change the way people work (procedures, training, job rotation)
• PPE — protect workers with personal protective equipment (least effective as a standalone measure)

Involving Workers in the Assessment

Workers who perform the job every day are often best positioned to identify hazards that are not visible from a manager's perspective. Involve workers in walk-through inspections, hazard reporting, and review of proposed controls. OHSA requires that workers be informed of hazards and have the right to participate in identifying solutions.

Getting Started

• Designate a team that includes both worker and management representatives
• Break the workplace into zones or job tasks for systematic coverage
• Use a standardized hazard identification form for consistency
• Prioritize high-risk hazards for immediate corrective action
• Set monthly review intervals for controls and re-assessments
• Document everything and retain records as required by OHSA