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Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Please specify the hazard identification techniques expected to be used for this project; and provide a description of your experience employing those techniques. Also describe or explain your approach to systematically: Identify high risk work, and existing and potential hazards and risks, to eliminate or reduce safety risks to workers and the public: At the planning stage At the execution stage Identify potential safety issues or hazards that may arise during or as a result of the work Provide examples of the following: Any standardized tools used to complete a hazard identification and risk assessment A process or systems used in ensuring the appropriate level of control is applied to the identified hazards and risk Mitigation of hazards and risks at the field level

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A comprehensive HIRA/JSA/JHA/TRA program for a project should define a documented, repeatable process that begins in planning and continues through execution, change management, and closeout. At its core, risk assessment is the process of identifying hazards, assessing the risk associated with each hazard, prioritizing those hazards, and deciding what measures are needed to eliminate or control harm. The process should be applied to specific activities, tasks, jobs, locations, and lifecycle phases, and should address risks to workers, contractors, visitors, and the public. [5] [7] [10]

  • Establish scope before the assessment begins: define the activity, area, lifecycle stage, interfaces, and hazard categories to be assessed.
  • Use a competent, multidisciplinary team that includes supervisors, workers familiar with the task, and health and safety representatives.
  • Break each job or process into logical steps or task segments before identifying hazards.
  • Identify hazards for each step using observations, inspections, worker input, incident history, documents, SDSs, manufacturer information, and applicable standards.
  • Assess risk for each hazard using a standardized method based on likelihood/probability and severity/consequence.
  • Rank hazards by priority so the highest-risk work is addressed first.
  • Select controls using the hierarchy of controls, then implement, communicate, and verify them.
  • Review and update the assessment when conditions change, after incidents, before non-routine work, and during field execution.

[8] [6] [14] Experience applying hazard identification techniques should be demonstrated through a structured combination of formal and practical methods. Effective project safety documentation should show use of job safety analysis, job hazard analysis, workplace inspections, hazard mapping, incident and near-miss review, employee hazard reporting, document review, and direct worker consultation. The strongest programs do not rely on a single technique; they combine worker knowledge, supervisory review, historical data, and field observation to identify both obvious and less visible hazards. [2] [9] [15]

  • Review all aspects of the work, including routine and non-routine activities such as maintenance, repair, cleaning, commissioning, shutdowns, and emergencies.
  • Examine the physical environment, equipment, tools, materials, products, and work methods.
  • Assess each step of the task, not just the overall activity.
  • Include all shifts, remote or off-site workers, drivers, teleworkers, subcontractors, and client-interface work.
  • Consider foreseeable abnormal conditions such as power loss, extreme weather, emergency response limitations, and equipment modification or guard removal.
  • Review the full lifecycle of the process or service, including design, transport, construction, operation, dismantling, and disposal.
  • Evaluate impacts on visitors and the public, not only the work crew.
  • Consider worker competency, training, experience, physical and cognitive capability, and vulnerable worker groups.

[2] [1] [9] Systematic identification of high-risk work should be built into planning and execution. During planning, the project should identify tasks with higher injury potential, complex interfaces, hazardous energy, work at height, lifting operations, confined spaces, mobile equipment interaction, line breaking, electrical work, excavation, simultaneous operations, public interface, and environmental or weather exposure. During execution, the same system should be used to reassess changing conditions, newly introduced hazards, and the adequacy of existing controls before work starts and whenever conditions change. [6] [8] [15]

Standardized risk assessment tools should use a consistent form and scoring method so hazards are evaluated the same way across the project. A typical tool records the task step, hazard, potential consequence, risk rating, priority, existing controls, and recommended controls. Risk matrices may be qualitative or semi-quantitative, but they should always define probability and severity clearly so the team applies ratings consistently. A common semi-quantitative approach uses the formula risk \= probability × severity and then assigns categories such as low, moderate, high, or extreme. [12] [4] [14]

  • Use a project-standard HIRA/JSA/JHA/TRA template for all crews and subcontractors.
  • Define probability and severity scales in writing and train users on how to score them.
  • Require ranking or prioritization so high and extreme risks trigger escalation, additional review, or permit controls before work proceeds.
  • Document existing controls separately from recommended additional controls.
  • Require reassessment when scope, crew, equipment, environment, or simultaneous operations change.
  • Retain records showing how decisions were made, who participated, and what controls were verified in the field.

[4] [6] [12] Application of the hierarchy of controls should be explicit in the documentation and in field practice. For every significant hazard, the assessment should show that elimination was considered first, followed by substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. PPE should not be treated as the primary control unless higher-order controls are not practicable or additional protection is needed. In many cases, a combination of controls is required, and the selected controls must not introduce new hazards. [3] [11] [13]

Control verification is a critical due-diligence element. The project should verify not only that controls were selected, but that they were implemented, understood, maintained, and effective. Verification should include pre-job checks, supervisor observations, workplace inspections, permit validation, equipment condition checks, worker competency confirmation, and periodic review of whether exposure has actually been reduced or eliminated. If controls are ineffective or conditions change, the assessment must be revised and work conditions re-briefed. [6] [14] [13]

Field-level hazard mitigation should supplement formal pre-planning assessments. A field-level risk assessment or daily task review should be completed at the point of work to identify real-time hazards, confirm the steps of the task, assess current risk, verify whether existing controls remain adequate, and identify any additional controls needed before work begins. This is especially important for dynamic environments, changing weather, simultaneous operations, access constraints, public exposure, and evolving site conditions. The field-level process should be treated as a living assessment and reinforced through site-specific job briefings. [3] [4] [15]

To demonstrate compliance with occupational health and safety requirements, due diligence, and regulatory safety management practices, project documentation should show that assessments are completed before work begins, updated when changes occur, informed by applicable laws and standards, communicated to affected workers, and retained as records. Due diligence is strengthened when the organization can show competent participation, worker involvement, hazard-specific information review, prioritization of high-risk work, implementation of controls, verification of effectiveness, and continuous improvement based on inspections, incidents, and changing conditions. [8] [14] [7]

  • Project HIRA/JSA/JHA/TRA procedure defining scope, roles, triggers, approval levels, and review frequency.
  • Standard templates with fields for task steps, hazards, persons at risk, consequences, likelihood, severity, risk rating, priority, existing controls, additional controls, responsible person, and verification status.
  • Evidence of worker and supervisor participation, including pre-job meetings and field briefings.
  • A defined risk matrix and written scoring criteria.
  • A hierarchy-of-controls decision process showing why selected controls were chosen.
  • Field-level assessment records for daily work and changing conditions.
  • Inspection, audit, and observation records verifying controls remain effective.
  • Training and competency records for persons conducting assessments and supervising high-risk work.
  • Change-management and incident-learning processes that trigger reassessment.
  • Document retention practices sufficient to demonstrate regulatory compliance and due diligence.

[6] [12] [14] In practice, a strong project safety submission should describe a closed-loop system: identify hazards early, assess and rank risk consistently, apply the hierarchy of controls, verify controls in the field, communicate expectations before and during work, reassess when conditions change, and maintain records that demonstrate legal compliance and due diligence. That approach aligns with recognized HIRA/JSA/JHA/TRA principles and provides a defensible framework for protecting workers and the public throughout planning and execution. [7] [6] [3]

15 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment

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# How is a risk assessment done? (cont.) ## Field-level Risk Assessment (cont.) The purpose of a field-level risk assessment is to identify, assess, and manage hazards and risks in real-time or on-site as work progresses, with a focus on ensuring the safety of workers. Field- level risk assessments are often completed in addition to formal risk assessments that have already been done before that specific day. Field-level risk assessments can also supplement safety meetings with teams as you work together through a common task, highlighting hazards and control measures that are currently in place. It can also be a good opportunity to brainstorm additional controls or better ways to complete the task. These risk assessments can help continue the safety conversation and avoid complacency. Similar to other risk assessments, each step of the task should be written down and hazards identified. The risk of each hazard can then be assessed based on the likelihood and severity of harm. Then, the team will determine if the current controls in place are adequate, or if further measures are needed prior to work beginning. An example of a table that may assist with a field- level risk assessment is shown in Table 4. Risk matrices similar to those in Table 2 or Table 3 can also be used to assess the risk for each hazard. Table 4: Field-level risk assessment Job or work activity being assessed: <table><tr><th>Step/task description</th><th>Hazards</th><th>Risk</th><th>Priority</th><th>Current controls</th><th>Recommended controls</th></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table> ## What are methods of hazard control? Once you have established the priorities, the organization can decide on ways to control each specific hazard. Hazard control methods are often grouped into the following categories: - Elimination. - Substitution. - Engineering controls. - Administrative controls. …

[2] Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment

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# How is a risk assessment done? (cont.) ## How are the hazards identified? (cont.) Hazard mapping is a method of hazard identification that is performed by employees themselves. All of the employees from a work area, including supervisors and managers, get together and mark hazard locations on the building's floor plan. Later, the group discusses how to control these hazards and which ones should be dealt with first. This approach makes use of employees' knowledge and experience, empowers employees, and encourages involvement and cooperation. More information is also available in the OSH Answers on Hazard Identification. ## How do you know if the hazard will cause harm (poses a risk)? Each hazard should be studied to determine its level of risk. Understanding how likely it is that a hazard will cause harm and how severe that harm could be. To research the hazard, you can look at: - Product information and the manufacturer documentation. - Past experience (knowledge from workers, etc.). - Legislated requirements and applicable standards. - Industry codes of practice and good practices. - Health and safety material about the hazard, such as safety data sheets (SDSs), research studies, or other manufacturer information. - Information from reputable organizations. - Results of testing (atmospheric or air sampling of the workplace, biological swabs, etc.). - The expertise of an occupational health and safety professional or other technical experts. - Information about previous injuries, illnesses, near misses, incident reports, etc. - Observation of the process or task. Remember to include factors that contribute to the level of risk, such as: - The work environment (layout, condition, weather, etc.). - The procedures for performing a task. - The range of foreseeable conditions. - The way the source may cause harm (e.g., inhalation, ingestion, etc.). - How often and how much a person will be exposed. - The interaction, capability, skill, and ex…

[3] Toolbox Talk: Job Hazard Analysis

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# JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS the ease e, plea e, our organ our a a Risk Assessment plea organ include Hazard Chemical Date Posted: 05/13/2025 # Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) A job hazard analysis (JHA) analyzes a task's associated hazards and risks and focuses on identifying and controlling hazards. Utilizing the JHA will provide a process for analyzing the work activities that will determine the tools, materials, and equipment needed to develop work methods and procedures for accomplishing the task. The process will identify existing and potential hazards, assess the risk, and identify ways to eliminate or protect against the hazard. ## STEPS FOR COMPLETING A JHA In accordance with WAC 296-800-[redacted postal code] - Hazard Assessment for PPE, a hazard assessment must be conducted to identify hazards or potential hazards and determine if PPE necessary on the job. Additionally, this hazard assessment must be documented according to WAC 296-800-[redacted postal code]. The steps required for completing a quality hazard assessment are as follows: is • Involve the Right People in the Process: Employees who do the job know the job best at the frontline level, and their knowledge is valuable in identifying hazards and coming up with solutions to mitigate hazards. - Define the core tasks and Break the Hazard Analysis into Steps: In the first step, separate each job into all the individual segments of the job. The simplest way to do it is observe the worker doing the task and list the individual steps. to - Observe the work: Watch employees perform the task in question. • Record steps: Break down tasks into a reasonable number of steps. • • - Review your findings: Review your task lists with the employees you observe. Are you missing any necessary steps? - Identify specific hazards in Each Step: With all the steps outlined, identify each hazard associated with each step. Some hazards will be obvious (risk of laceration, fall, struck by, caught in or between, etc.…

[4] Hazard and Risk - Sample Risk Assessment Form

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# What is a sample risk assessment form? The following is a sample. Be sure to customize it for your needs at your workplace. How you actually assess the risks can vary from situation to situation, and may include the technique of brainstorming, or using a checklist or a risk matrix. Document the process used, and how decisions were reached. ## Sample Risk Assessment Form Name of person(s) doing assessment: Date: Location: Job, activity, task or procedure being assessed: Hazards, Risks, and Controls: List details about each identified hazard below, including the step or task they are associated with, what they are and who they may impact, what the potential consequences are if workers are exposed to the hazard, the level risk (e.g., can use risk matrix below), the priority (hazards with the highest risk should be the top priority to address), and what are the recommended hazard controls to eliminate or reduce the risk. Hazard and Risk - Sample Risk Assessment Form CCOHS

[5] Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification

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# Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification (cont.) ## How are hazards identified? (cont.) - Job descriptions and demands analysis - Job safety analysis - Incident investigations - Documents and records - Hazard reporting by employees - Hazard mapping To be sure that all hazards are found: - Look at all aspects of the work and include non-routine activities such as maintenance, repair, or cleaning. - Look at the physical work environment, equipment, materials, products, etc. that are used. - Include the various steps that make up a task or activity. - Look at injury and incident records. - Talk to the workers: they know their job and its hazards best. - Include all shifts and people who work off-site, either at home, on other job sites, drivers, teleworkers, or with clients. - Look at the way the work is organized or done by different individuals (including the experience of people doing the work, systems being used, if alternate methods are being used, etc.). - Look at foreseeable unusual conditions (for example, possible impact on hazard control procedures that may be unavailable in an emergency situation, power outage, etc.). - Determine whether a product, machine, or equipment can be intentionally or unintentionally changed (such as a safety guard that could be removed). - Review all of the phases of the lifecycle of processes, products, and services (such as design, transportation, construction, dismantling, and disposal). - Examine risks to visitors or the public. - Consider the groups of people that may have a different level of risk, such as young or inexperienced workers, persons with disabilities, or new or expectant mothers. - Consider the psychosocial aspects of the job and the hazards that could be created. ## What types of hazards are there? A common way to classify hazards is by category: Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification CCOHS

[6] Hazard and Risk - Hierarchy of Controls

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# Enclosure and Isolation (cont.) ## What should I know about personal protective equipment (PPE) as a hazard control method? (cont.) - Skin protection (e.g., coveralls, aprons, full body suits) - Gloves - Eye protection (e.g., face shield, goggles) - Foot protection - Hearing protective devices (e.g., ear plugs, ear muffs) The choice of what type of PPE is required must be based on the specific hazard found at the workplace. No matter which type of PPE is used, it is essential to have a complete PPE program in place. For more information about PPE programs, please see the following document Designing an Effective PPE Program. ## Can more than one control method be used or followed? Yes. Sometimes a hazard cannot be controlled using a single type of control method. If a hazard cannot be eliminated, a combination of controls may be required. For example: - Using a scissor lift instead of a ladder (substitution). Workers should be trained on the safe use of the equipment and follow safe work procedures (administrative controls). When working at heights, workers should also use PPE, including a full body harness and lanyard attached to an anchor point, there is a risk of injury from falling. - Driving in the winter for work. Controls may include not driving during extreme winter weather (elimination), determining if there are any other options for driving, such as public transit (substation), use of winter tires (engineering), and driver training (administrative). ## Should the adequacy of controls be reviewed or evaluated? Yes. It is important to determine the effectiveness of the control methods implemented and adjust as required. Controls must not create new hazards. For example, if wearing PPE contributes to other hazards (e.g., heat stress), then it is important to review if other control methods are possible or if additional precautions are needed. Monitor both the hazard and the control method to make sure that the control is working effectively…

[7] Hazard and Risk - Hierarchy of Controls

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# Hierarchy of Controls Most effective ELIMINATION SUBSTITUTION ENGINEERING CONTROLS ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS PPE Least effective Figure 1: Hierarchy of Control Some sources may use a variation of this hierarchy of controls. For example, the CSA Standard 1002-12 (R2022): Occupational health and safety — Hazard identification and elimination and risk assessment and control includes a layer called "systems that increase awareness of potential hazards". For example, visual or audible alarms or warning signs. This systems layer is placed in between engineering controls and administrative controls. Regardless of the number of layers included, the hierarchy should be considered in the order presented (it is always best to try to eliminate the hazard first, etc.). What is meant by elimination? Hazard and Risk - Hierarchy of Controls CCOHS

[8] Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment

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# Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment (cont.) ## What is a risk assessment? (cont.) Risk - the combination of probability and severity that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard. Risk can also be applied to situations with property or equipment damage, or harmful effects on the environment. Probability - the extent to which an event is likely to occur. The probability of harm may also be referenced as the likelihood of harm. Severity - the seriousness of an incident, injury, or illness. Severity, or consequence, describes the highest level of damage possible from a hazard and is often described in terms such as catastrophic, critical, moderate, minor, or negligible. In general, risk can be expressed as: Risk = probability X severity Hazard control - control measure(s) and action(s) taken to reduce the risk of a hazard based on the risk assessment. Hazard control should also include monitoring, re- evaluation, and compliance with decisions (the term "controls" or "control measures" are also used and have the same meaning). Recommending or determining hazard controls may be incorporated into the risk assessment process, or completed separately following a risk assessment. For definitions and more information about what hazards and risks are, please see the OSH Answers document Hazard and Risk. ## Why is risk assessment important? Risk assessments are very important as they form an integral part of an occupational health and safety management plan. They help to: - Create awareness of hazards and risks. - Identify who may be at risk (e.g., workers, cleaners, visitors, contractors, the public, etc.). - Determine whether a control program is required for a particular hazard. - Determine if existing control measures are adequate or if more should be done. Prevent injuries - or illnesses, especially when done at the design or planning stage. - Prioritize hazards and control measures. - Meet legal requirements …

[9] Hazard and Risk - Sample Risk Assessment Form

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Hazard and Risk # Hazard and Risk - Sample Risk Assessment Form On this page How can risks be assessed? What is a sample risk assessment form? Is there a procedure for assessing risks? ## How can risks be assessed? After hazards are identified, the risks associated with those hazards should be systematically reviewed to ensure those things, activities, situations, processes, tasks, etc. that cause harm to people or property are controlled. One way to ensure that all risks are evaluated in the same way is to use a risk assessment form. This procedure should be carried out by someone who is experienced and fully familiar with the activity (e.g., a "competent person"). Please note: see the OSH Answers Risk Assessment for more information about risk assessments in general, and how to rank hazards. ## Is there a procedure for assessing risks? There is no one way to assess risks, and there are many risk assessment tools and techniques that can be used. Choose the method that best matches your situation. In all cases, the risk assessment should be completed for any activity, task, etc. before the activity begins. <table><tr><th>Step</th><th>Action</th><th>Deliverable</th></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Identify hazards and their potential for causing harm.</td><td>An inventory of hazards.</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Assess the risk of each hazard and rank hazards by priority (consider the probability of harm and severity of harm).</td><td>A ranked list of hazards. This list will be useful in planning further action.</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Determine hazard control measures.</td><td>1. A record of hazard control measures at various locations. 2. Evaluation of the adequacy of hazard control measures. Consider the hierarchy of controls, and controls required or recommended by legislation, standards, good practices, or organizational policies.</td></tr><tr><…

[10] Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Hazard and Risk # Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment ## On this page What is a risk assessment? Why is risk assessment important? What is the goal of risk assessment? When should a risk assessment be done? How do you plan for a risk assessment? How is a risk assessment done? How are the hazards identified? How do you know if the hazard will cause harm (poses a risk)? How are risks ranked or prioritized? What risk assessment methods should be used? What are methods of hazard control? Why is it important to review and monitor the assessments? What documentation should be done for a risk assessment? ## What is a risk assessment? Risk assessment is a term used to describe the overall process or method where of identifying hazards, assessing the risk of hazards, and prioritizing hazards associated with a specific activity, task, or job. It considers the probability or likelihood of harm from exposure and the potential consequence or severity of harm from exposure to a hazard. A risk assessment is a thorough look at your workplace to identify those things, situations, processes, etc. that may cause harm, particularly to people. After the identification of a hazard, it should be reviewed to determine how likely and severe the potential harm is. When this determination is made, you can decide what measures should be in place to effectively eliminate or control the harm from happening (hazard control). Some important terms related to risk assessments include: Hazard - a potential source of injury, adverse health effect, or damage to people, structures, equipment, or the environment. A common way to classify hazards is to categorize them as biological, chemical, ergonomic, physical, psychosocial, and safety hazards. Hazard identification - the process of finding, listing, and characterizing hazards. Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment CCOHS

[11] Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification

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# Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification (cont.) ## What is hazard identification? (cont.) - Identify hazards and risk factors that have the potential to cause harm (hazard identification). - Analyze and evaluate the risk associated with that hazard (risk analysis, and risk evaluation). - Determine appropriate ways to eliminate the hazard or control the risk when the hazard cannot be eliminated (risk control). Overall, the goal of hazard identification is to find and record possible hazards that may be present in your workplace. It may help to work as a team and include people familiar with the work area, as well as people who are not -this way, you have both experienced and fresh eyes to conduct the inspection. ## When should hazard identification be done? Hazard identification can be done: - During design and implementation - Designing a new process or procedure - Purchasing and installing new machinery - Before tasks are done - Checking equipment or following processes - Reviewing surroundings before each shift - While tasks are being done - Be aware of changes, abnormal conditions, or sudden emissions - During inspections - Formal, informal, supervisor, health and safety committee - After incidents - Near misses or minor events - Injuries ## How are hazards identified? There are many ways a workplace can identify hazards, including: Workplace inspections Hazard and Risk - Hazard Identification CCOHS

[12] Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment

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# Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment (cont.) ## What is the goal of risk assessment? (cont.) a. What can happen, and under what circumstances? b. What are the possible consequences? C. How likely are the possible consequences to occur? d. How severe are the possible consequences? e. Has an adequate level of risk reduction been achieved, or is further action required? ## When should a risk assessment be done? There may be many reasons a risk assessment is needed, including: - Before new processes or activities are introduced. - Before changes are introduced to existing processes or activities, including when products, machinery, tools, or equipment change. - When new information concerning harm becomes available. - When hazards are identified. - Before working in a new environment. - When new information on hazard controls or good practices becomes available. - Before performing maintenance or commissioning of equipment - Before completing routine or non-routine tasks. - When the legislation requires a risk assessment to be done. ## How do you plan for a risk assessment? In general, determine: - What the scope of your risk assessment will be (e.g., be specific about what you are assessing such as the lifetime of the product, the physical area where the work activity takes place, or the types of hazards). - The resources needed (e.g., training a team of individuals to carry out the assessment, the types of information sources, etc.). - What type of risk analysis measures will be used (e.g., how exact the scale or parameters need to be in order to provide the most relevant evaluation)? - Who are the stakeholders involved (e.g., manager, supervisors, workers, worker representatives, suppliers, etc.). - What relevant laws, regulations, codes, or standards may apply in your jurisdiction, as well as organizational policies and procedures? Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment CCOHS

[13] Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment

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# How is a risk assessment done? In general, to do an assessment, you should: 1. Assemble a risk assessment team. Assessments should be done by a competent person or team of individuals who have a good working knowledge of the situation being studied. Include the supervisors and workers who work with the process under review on the team or as sources of information, as these individuals are the most familiar with the operation. The health and safety committee or representative should also be consulted. 2. Select the job or process to assess. Refer to the above section, "When should a risk assessment be done", to help prioritize your assessments. Ideally, risk assessments should be done for all jobs. Jobs or tasks with higher injury and illness rates, worker concerns, and other factors should be considered first. 3. Break down the job or process into tasks. Divide the job or process into tasks or basic steps to better understand the hazards. 4. Identify the hazards of each task. After the basic steps or tasks have been recorded, identify the hazards of each step or task. List the hazards based on observations and inspections, previous causes of incidents and injuries, feedback from workers and supervisors directly involved in the task, and other considerations. 5. Assess the risk of each hazard. For each hazard, determine the likelihood of harm, such as an injury or illness occurring, and its severity. Use a risk assessment method appropriate for your workplace (see further below for details on risk assessment methods). Consider normal operational situations as well as non-standard events such as maintenance, shutdowns, power outages, emergencies, extreme weather, etc. Review all available health and safety information about the hazard, such as Safety Data Sheet (SDS), manufacturer's literature, information from reputable organizations, results of testing, workplace inspection reports, records of workplace incidents (accidents), including information about the …

[14] Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment

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# How is a risk assessment done? (cont.) ## How are the hazards identified? (cont.) - Include people who work off-site either at home, on other job sites, drivers, teleworkers, with clients, etc. - Look at the way the work is organized or done (include the experience of people doing the work, systems being used, etc.). - Look at foreseeable unusual conditions (for example: possible impact on hazard control procedures that may be unavailable in an emergency situation, power outage, climate event, etc.). - Determine whether a product, machine or equipment can be intentionally or unintentionally changed (e.g., a safety guard that could be removed). - Review all of the phases of the process or lifecycle. - Examine risks to visitors or the public. - Consider the knowledge, experience, training, and education of the individuals performing the work. - Consider the groups of people that may have a different level of risk such as young or inexperienced workers, persons with disabilities, or new or expectant mothers. It may help to create a chart or table such as the following: Table 1: Hazards, risks, and controls Job: Delivery Driver Task: Delivering Products to customers <table><tr><th>Hazards</th><th>Potential Outcomes</th><th>Risk</th><th>Priority</th><th>Hazard Controls</th></tr><tr><td>Working alone</td><td>May not be able to call for help if needed</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Manually lifting and carrying boxes</td><td>Musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., back or shoulder injury) due to manual material handling</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Working long hours</td><td>Fatigue, stress, short rest time between shifts, motor vehicle collision.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Driving in congested traffic</td><td>Motor vehicle collision, stress</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table> Please see further below for guidance on determining the risk and priority of each hazard, including the risk matrices in Table 2 and Ta…

[15] Hazard and Risk - Risk Assessment

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# How is a risk assessment done? (cont.) ## Semi-quantitative Methods (cont.) <table><tr><th></th><th>Negligible Severity (1)</th><th>Minor Severity (2)</th><th>Moderate Severity (3)</th><th>Major Severity (4)</th><th>Catastrophic Severity (5)</th></tr><tr><td>Rare Probability (1)</td><td>Low (1)</td><td>Low (2)</td><td>Low (3)</td><td>Moderate (4)</td><td>Moderate (5)</td></tr><tr><td>Unlikely Probability (2)</td><td>Low (2)</td><td>Moderate (4)</td><td>Moderate (6)</td><td>High (8)</td><td>High (10)</td></tr><tr><td>Possible Probability (3)</td><td>Low (3)</td><td>Moderate (6)</td><td>High (9)</td><td>High (12)</td><td>Extreme (15)</td></tr><tr><td>Likely Probability (4)</td><td>Moderate (4)</td><td>High (8)</td><td>High (12)</td><td>Extreme (16)</td><td>Extreme (20)</td></tr><tr><td>Almost Certain Probability (5)</td><td>Moderate (5)</td><td>High (10)</td><td>Extreme (15)</td><td>Extreme (20)</td><td>Extreme (25)</td></tr></table> When using this method, it is important to clearly define the parameters for assigning scores for severity and probability, so all team members understand the scoring criteria. Using Table 3, a hazard assigned as having an unlikely probability of occurring (probability score of 2) and minor severity (severity score of 2) is a moderate riskwith a risk rating score of 4. Remember! Risk = probability X severity. The qualitative and semi-quantitative risk matrices above are just a couple of examples. These matrices can be customized to further refine risk by considering more detailed criteria for probability and severity. Quantitative methods are also sometimes used, which calculate risk based on data collected over a period of time or multiple situations. Examples include failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and decision tree analysis (these methods are not covered in this fact sheet). ## Field-level Risk Assessment A field-level risk assessment (FLRA) is another method that is commonly used in industries and wor…

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