Hazard Assessment 

What is a workplace hazard assessment? 

A hazard assessment is a structured process for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating workplace risks: conditions or things that could cause harm. An assessment serves as a strategic framework for creating a safer work environment by proactively addressing hazards. 

The process typically involves identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing controls, and reviewing outcomes. Ongoing monitoring, additional employee training, and updated procedures are often necessary after the assessment. This approach helps minimize or eliminate risks, ensuring compliance and promoting employee wellbeing. 

Basic hazard assessment steps 

The hazard assessment process 

1. Figure out what jobs or types of work workers perform. 

1. List all of the work tasks or activities for each job. 

1. Identify any hazards related to each task or activity. 

1. Find ways to eliminate or control the hazards. 

1. Implement the controls and train workers to work safely. 

1. Monitor the effectiveness of controls. 

1. Review and revise the hazard assessment and update controls when necessary. 

Why are hazard assessments important? 

Regular safety assessments can improve efficiency by identifying opportunities to optimize daily operations, such as improving maintenance schedules or enhancing worker training. These assessments also empower your team by demonstrating that safety is a priority. They build a culture of value and accountability, encouraging staff to actively participate in health and safety initiatives and report hazards immediately. 

Additionally, hazard assessments sharpen the focus of health and safety programs by highlighting specific areas for improvement and sparking constructive conversations about safety among workers. A safer workplace minimizes downtime from incidents and protects your organization from costly injury claims. An effective safety-first culture helps organizations avoid rising insurance costs and minimizes expenses caused by employee injuries, unsafe working conditions, frequent government workplace inspections, or work stoppages. 

Have questions about implementing a better hazard assessment process at your organization? 

Our health and safety software, online safety training, and live advice services can help. Our health and safety and HR packages are conveniently priced to meet the needs and budgets of organizations in any industry. 

Get started now with our Ontario Health and Safety Program Planning Guide. Start improving your safety program today with actionable insights from our experts. 

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Or check out these blogposts for more information on trending health and safety topics in Canada: 

• How to Conduct a Workplace Risk Assessment 
• What Are Employers’ Responsibilities for Workplace Health and Safety? 
• Safety and Health Week: Creating Safer Workplaces