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Write a toolbox talk on identifying hazards

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Hazard Identification in the Workplace ======================================

Date: 2026-07-28

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

Provide workers with a practical understanding of how to recognize workplace hazards, assess risk, apply the hierarchy of controls, prevent incidents, and follow OSHA-aligned workplace health and safety procedures before and during the task.

Introduction

Hazard identification is one of the most important parts of preventing injuries and illnesses at work. A job hazard analysis (JHA) helps workers break a task into steps, identify existing and potential hazards, assess the risk, and determine the best ways to eliminate or control those hazards. When workers understand what can go wrong before work begins, they are better prepared to make safe decisions, use the right controls, and stop incidents before they happen. This toolbox talk reinforces the expectation that hazard recognition is a shared responsibility and that safety procedures must be reviewed whenever conditions change. [1] [1] [5]

Presenter Note: Open by asking workers where they see hazards most often on this site and remind them that hazard identification is not a paperwork exercise—it is a daily work habit.

Key Points

  • 1\. Break the job into steps before work starts: A good hazard review begins by separating the task into clear, manageable steps. Observing the work and listing each step helps the crew identify where hazards are introduced, where exposure occurs, and where controls are needed. This approach is especially useful for non-routine work, complex tasks, and jobs with a history of incidents or near misses. [1]

[1] [16]

  • Observe the task being performed whenever possible.
  • Record the steps in the order they occur.
  • Review the steps with the workers who actually perform the job.
  • Update the analysis if the task, tools, or site conditions change.
  • 2\. Involve the people who do the work: Employees who perform the task every day often know the practical hazards, shortcuts, and site conditions better than anyone else. Their input improves the quality of the hazard assessment and helps identify realistic controls that can actually be followed in the field. Worker participation also improves ownership of the safety process and increases compliance with safe work procedures. [1]

[6]

  • Ask workers what can go wrong at each step.
  • Include supervisors, foremen, and other knowledgeable personnel in the discussion.
  • Treat worker observations seriously and follow up on concerns.
  • Use the crew briefing to confirm everyone understands the hazards and controls.
  • 3\. Recognize both obvious and hidden hazards: Some hazards are easy to see, such as unguarded machinery, falls, struck-by hazards, or exposed electrical parts. Others are less obvious, including ergonomic strain, repetitive motion, poor lighting, wet surfaces, unstable materials, or changing weather conditions. Workers should look at the task, the tools, the environment, and the people involved to identify all credible sources of harm. [1]

[2] [14]

  • Look for physical hazards such as moving parts, edges, heights, and pinch points.
  • Consider environmental hazards such as weather, lighting, noise, dust, and slippery surfaces.
  • Identify human factors such as rushing, fatigue, inexperience, or poor communication.
  • Check whether nearby work activities create new exposure.
  • 4\. Assess risk by considering severity and likelihood: Once hazards are identified, evaluate how serious the injury could be and how likely it is to occur. A useful risk assessment considers who or what is exposed, what could go wrong, what conditions could trigger the event, and what factors could make the incident worse. High-risk work should be stopped until effective controls are in place. [1]

[1] [15]

  • Ask who is exposed and how exposure occurs.
  • Consider the worst credible outcome, not just the most likely one.
  • Account for contributing factors such as weather, congestion, or equipment condition.
  • Reassess risk when the work changes or new hazards appear.
  • 5\. Use the hierarchy of controls to reduce exposure: The hierarchy of controls is the preferred method for managing hazards. Start by eliminating the hazard if possible, then substitute a safer option, apply engineering controls, use administrative controls, and rely on PPE only as the last line of defense. The goal is to reduce exposure at the source rather than depending only on worker behavior. [2]

[2] [3]

  • Eliminate the hazard whenever the task can be redesigned or removed.
  • Substitute less hazardous materials, tools, or methods when elimination is not practical.
  • Use engineering controls such as guards, barriers, or isolation.
  • Apply administrative controls such as procedures, training, signage, and job briefings.
  • Use PPE to supplement other controls, not replace them.

Hazard Identification

Common workplace hazards can appear in almost any task. The most effective way to prevent injuries is to identify hazards early, understand how they can harm workers, and apply controls before work begins. The hazards below are representative of the types of conditions workers should look for during a JHA or pre-task plan.

  • Unguarded machinery, moving parts, and pinch points: Workers can become caught, crushed, pinched, or entangled, leading to fractures, amputations, internal injuries, suffocation, or death. [4]

[4]

(Risk: High)

  • Struck-by hazards from vehicles, falling objects, swinging loads, or flying debris: Workers may suffer head trauma, fractures, crushing injuries, eye injuries, or fatal impact injuries. [7]

[7]

(Risk: High)

  • Slips, trips, and falls caused by wet surfaces, clutter, debris, cords, holes, or poor lighting: Workers may suffer sprains, fractures, head injuries, lost-time injuries, or fatal falls depending on the surface and height involved. [10]

[10]

(Risk: Medium)

  • Falls from heights, openings, ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or elevated work platforms: A fall can cause severe trauma, paralysis, permanent disability, or death, especially when working near edges, openings, or dangerous equipment. [12]

[12]

(Risk: High)

  • Electrical exposure, including energized equipment and arc flash potential: Workers may experience shock, burns, arc flash injuries, fire, or electrocution. [8]

[8]

(Risk: High)

  • Trenching and excavation cave-ins or unstable soil conditions: A collapse can bury workers, causing suffocation, crushing injuries, or fatal entrapment. [4]

[4]

(Risk: High)

Presenter Note: Use the hazard list to prompt workers to name examples from their own tasks. Ask them to identify both the hazard and the likely consequence before discussing controls.

Control Measures

Use the hierarchy of controls in order of preference. First ask whether the hazard can be eliminated by changing the task or work location. If not, look for substitution or engineering controls that isolate workers from the hazard. Then apply administrative controls such as procedures, training, signage, inspections, and job briefings. PPE should be used only after higher-level controls have been considered and implemented where practical.

  • Eliminate the hazard by redesigning the task or changing the work method: Whenever possible, remove the hazard entirely. For example, perform work at ground level instead of at height, or redesign the process so workers do not need to enter the hazard zone. [2]

[2]

  • Substitute safer materials, tools, or processes: Replace hazardous substances or methods with less hazardous alternatives, such as using water-based products instead of solvent-based products when the task allows. [2]

[2]

  • Install engineering controls to isolate workers from the hazard: Use guards, barriers, guardrails, enclosures, machine guarding, or other physical controls to prevent contact with the hazard and reduce exposure. [2]

[4]

  • Apply administrative controls and safe work procedures: Use JHAs, pre-task planning, written procedures, job briefings, signage, access control, and training to ensure the work is performed consistently and safely. Rebrief the crew whenever conditions change. [1]

[5]

  • Inspect tools, equipment, and the work area before use: Check for damaged guards, unstable ground, poor lighting, unsecured materials, wet surfaces, exposed cords, and other changing conditions. Correct hazards immediately when it is safe to do so, or stop work and escalate if the hazard cannot be controlled. [2]

[2]

  • Use PPE as the last line of defense and ensure it is matched to the hazard: Select PPE based on the hazard assessment, verify proper fit, and train workers on correct use, limitations, inspection, and replacement. PPE should supplement, not replace, higher-level controls. [3]

[15]

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Review the task, site conditions, permits, and applicable JHA or pre-task plan before starting work. Confirm that the crew understands the hazards, controls, and stop-work expectations. [5]

[1]

  1. Observe the work area for changing conditions such as weather, congestion, poor lighting, unstable surfaces, moving equipment, or nearby operations that could create new hazards. [1]

[2]

  1. Perform the task only within the controls that have been established. If the hazard changes or the control is no longer effective, stop work and reassess before continuing. [15]

[5]

  1. Report hazards, near misses, injuries, and control failures immediately so the team can correct the issue and prevent recurrence. [2]

[3]

Presenter Note: Walk the crew through the sequence: review, observe, control, execute, and report. Emphasize that a JHA is not complete until the controls are actually used in the field.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Hard Hat: Wear a hard hat whenever there is a risk of head injury from falling objects, overhead work, moving equipment, or struck-by hazards. Inspect the shell and suspension before use, keep the hat properly adjusted, and replace it if it is cracked, damaged, or no longer fits correctly. [13]

[7]

  • Use the correct class and type for the task and site conditions.
  • Do not modify the shell or suspension.
  • Replace damaged hard hats immediately.
  • Safety Glasses or Goggles: Use eye protection whenever there is a risk of flying particles, dust, splashes, or debris. Safety glasses are appropriate for general impact protection, while goggles or face shields may be needed for higher exposure or splash hazards. Eye protection must fit properly and remain in place during the task. [11]

[13]

  • Choose the lens and frame style that matches the hazard.
  • Use side protection where impact exposure exists.
  • Replace scratched or damaged lenses that reduce visibility.
  • Gloves: Select gloves based on the hazard, such as cut-resistant gloves for sharp materials, general-purpose gloves for handling stock, chemical-resistant gloves for chemical exposure, or insulated gloves for electrical work when appropriate. Gloves must fit properly and should not create a new entanglement hazard around rotating equipment. [13]

[4]

  • Match glove material to the hazard.
  • Keep gloves away from moving parts where entanglement is possible.
  • Replace torn, worn, or contaminated gloves.
  • Safety-Toe Footwear: Wear safety-toe or steel-toe footwear with slip-resistant soles when there is a risk of falling objects, rolling stock, sharp debris, or slippery walking surfaces. Footwear should be appropriate for the terrain and maintained in good condition to preserve traction and protection. [9]

[13]

  • Use slip-resistant soles for wet, oily, or uneven surfaces.
  • Keep footwear clean and dry when possible.
  • Replace worn soles that reduce traction.
  • Hearing Protection: Use ear plugs, ear muffs, or canal caps when noise exposure is high enough to damage hearing. Hearing protection must be worn correctly and consistently in noisy areas, and workers should understand that hearing loss can occur gradually over time. [13]

[11]

  • Select the correct noise reduction rating for the task.
  • Wear hearing protection before entering the noisy area.
  • Inspect reusable hearing protection and keep it clean.

PPE is important, but it is the last line of defense. Workers must understand the purpose of each item, verify that it fits properly, inspect it before use, and replace damaged or ineffective PPE immediately. PPE works best when combined with elimination, engineering, and administrative controls. [3] [13]

Real-World Example or Case Study

A crew was assigned to move materials through a congested work area while another team was operating equipment nearby. During the pre-task review, workers identified a struck-by hazard from moving equipment and a caught-between hazard near a fixed structure. The supervisor changed the sequence of work, established a barricaded travel path, required eye contact with operators before entry into the work zone, and kept workers out of the swing radius and pinch-point areas. The task was completed without incident. The lesson was simple: when workers identify hazards early and adjust the plan before work starts, they prevent injuries that would otherwise happen in seconds. [7] [4] [5]

Presenter Note: Use this example to show how a small change in work sequencing and access control can eliminate a serious exposure.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What hazards are most likely to be missed when we rush through a task review?
  2. Which control on our site is strongest right now: elimination, engineering, administrative controls, or PPE? Why?
  3. What should you do if the work area changes after the JHA has already been reviewed?

Presenter Note: Encourage workers to answer from their own experience. Ask follow-up questions about recent near misses, changing site conditions, or controls that did not work as expected.

Emergency Procedures

  1. Stop work immediately if a high-risk hazard is discovered or if a control fails. Make the area safe if it can be done without exposing anyone to additional danger. [15]
  2. Notify the supervisor or competent person, isolate the area, and prevent others from entering until the hazard is corrected or the task is re-planned. [2]

[1]

  1. If an injury occurs, summon emergency medical assistance, provide first aid within your training, and preserve the scene for investigation when it is safe to do so. [2]

Questions and Answers

Questions are encouraged. Use this time to raise concerns about site conditions, task changes, equipment issues, or any hazard that is not fully controlled.

  • Q: What is the purpose of a job hazard analysis?

A: A JHA identifies the steps of a task, the hazards associated with each step, the risk involved, and the controls needed to eliminate or reduce exposure. [1]

  • Q: When should a JHA be reviewed again?

A: The JHA should be reviewed before the job starts and again whenever conditions change, new hazards appear, or additional tasks are added. [1] [5]

  • Q: Why is PPE not the first choice for hazard control?

A: PPE is the least effective level of control because it does not remove the hazard; it only reduces exposure if it is selected correctly, worn properly, and maintained. [3]

  • Q: What should workers do if they identify a hazard during the job?

A: They should stop and report the hazard if it cannot be corrected safely, then work with supervision to implement the appropriate control before continuing. [2] [15]

Summary

Recap of main points:

  • Hazard identification starts with breaking the job into steps and involving the workers who know the task best. [1]
  • Every task should be evaluated for obvious and hidden hazards, including struck-by, caught-in/between, fall, slip/trip, electrical, and excavation risks. [2]

[14]

  • Use the hierarchy of controls first, and rely on PPE only as the last line of defense. [2]

[3]

  • Review the JHA, communicate changes, and stop work when conditions change or a high-risk hazard is discovered. [1]

[15]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

  1. Before starting work, review the task steps, hazards, controls, and required PPE with the crew. [1]
  2. Report changing conditions, near misses, damaged equipment, and uncontrolled hazards immediately. [2]
  3. Use the correct control for the hazard and do not rely on PPE alone when a stronger control is available. [3]
  4. Stop work and rebrief the crew if the job, environment, or equipment changes. [1]
  5. Participate actively in hazard reporting and help improve the safety process through feedback. [5]

Remember: See the hazard, assess the risk, control the exposure, and stop work before the incident happens.

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

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16 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Toolbox Talk: Safety Pre-Planning

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# SAFETY PRE-PLANNING Date Published: 05/12/2025 Safe work practices are crucial to ensure that all employees have a standard level of knowledge and perform tasks the same way while prioritizing safety. Ensuring safety at a job site is essential to completing a job successfully. When everyone follows safe practices, the crew will experience fewer accidents, and productivity and efficiency will increase. Safety pre-planning involves planning a task to identify, avoid, prevent, and control hazards to keep our workers safe in their work. Utilizing the S.E.E. process serves as a useful reminder of how to examine a task before starting. S.E.E. stands for: • S-Scan (look at) the equipment, tools, and environment to identify potential hazards. Define the scope of the task and identify if there are any applicable - documents, such as Pre-Task Plan (PTP) requirements, SOPs, permits, or Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), that need review before beginning the task. E - Evaluate the task you intend to complete, break it into steps, associate the hazards with the steps, and plan methods to eliminate or reduce them. Here, teams need to identify situational and inherent hazards or potential hazards. To identify the hazard, each team member should discuss how someone may be injured while performing the task. Examples could include materials, equipment/tools, work locations, worker knowledge, worksite conditions, etc. Develop and implement hazard controls-Once the hazards have been identified, the workers should develop solutions to eliminate the hazards by implementing control measures. Specified methods, tools, and equipment might be used to reduce or eliminate the hazards. When the hazards cannot be eliminated, safeguards must be implemented. Examples include the erection of guardrails if work is performed at elevation or using personal protective equipment. - E - Execute the task. Perform work within hazard controls enacted in the previous step. This step requires workers to dis…

[2] Toolbox Talk: The Fatal Four in Construction – Struck By

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# THE FATAL FOUR IN CONSTRUCTION - STRUCK BY ## Date Posted: 12/12/2023 According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), struck-by incidents occur when a moving object strikes a worker. These struck-by incidents are a leading cause of death among construction workers. The four most common struck-by hazards are struck by a flying, falling, swinging, or rolling object, both large and small, from vehicles and heavy machinery to rocks, gravel, and tools. Construction workers have two times the risk of struck-by injuries than all other industries. ## CATEGORIES AND EXAMPLES OF STRUCK BY HAZARDS? A struck-by hazard is anything at your worksite that could produce injuries by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object or equipment. Struck-by fall into four categories: risks ## FLYING OBJECT According to OSHA, "a flying object hazard exists when something has been thrown, hurled, or is being propelled across space." It can include instances when a piece of separates from a tool, machine, or other equipment, striking a worker and resulting in injuries or fatalities. Examples of struck-by-flying object hazards: material • A piece of material separates from a tool, machine, or other equipment and strikes a worker. • An object is ejected under power by a tool or equipment usually designed for that purpose, such as a nail from a nail gun. • Compressed air used to power tools or clean surfaces causes flying object hazards. ## FALLING OBJECT Struck-by-falling object hazards involve objects falling from an elevation to a lower level. Injuries from these hazards include instances where the injured person is crushed, pinned, or caught under a falling object. Examples of struck-by-falling object hazards: - A worker is struck by a load, or parts of a load, that falls from a vehicle or other equipment. • A crane boom, or another piece of equipment, breaks, collapses, and strikes a worker. • A section from a structur…

[3] Toolbox Talk: The Fatal Four in Construction - Caught In / Between

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# THE FATAL FOUR IN CONSTRUCTION - CAUGHT IN / BETWEEN ✰ SAFETY FIRST GUARDS MUST BE IN PLACE BEFORE USE Date Posted: 12/12/2023 Nationally, referred workers suffer approximately 125,000 caught-in-between or crushed injuries yearly when body parts get caught between two objects or are entangled with machinery. These hazards are also to as "pinch points." The physical forces applied to a body part caught in a pinch point can vary and cause injuries ranging from bruises, cuts, amputated body parts, and even death. According to Caught-in or -Between Hazards are defined as injuries resulting from a person being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects or between parts of an object. identifying caught-in or -between hazards and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. OSHA, By ## UNGUARDED MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT Machinery can pose hazards with moving parts, conveyors, rollers, and rotating shafts. Refrain from reaching into unguarded machinery. Becoming caught in machinery can result in bodily entrapment, broken or crushed limbs and bones, suffocation, punctures, head injuries, internal damage, and death. ## HOW TO PREVENT MACHINERY & SERVICE-RELATED INCIDENTS • Service equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. • Use safety equipment such as chock blocks, jack stands, etc. • Make sure all guards and covers are placed correctly and are not damaged. Inspect all safety equipment following the manufacturer's recommendations. Use appropriately rated equipment. • Always service equipment on stable, level ground. • Always engage the parking brake while maintaining equipment. • De-energize and lockout (LOTO) the equipment's energy (hydraulics, electrical system, etc.). • Keep gloves, loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair away from moving gears and rotating shafts. ## CAUGHT BETWEEN OBJECTS According to OSHA, more than 22% of all injuries annually are related to caught-…

[4] The ABCs of construction site safety

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# THE ABCS OF CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY (cont.) ## Safety committees – Division 1, [redacted phone](7) (cont.) THE ABCS OF CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY Job Hazard Analysis Job hazard analysis - or JHA - is an industry best practice method of identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards associated with a specific job. A JHA breaks a job down into tasks; each task is evaluated to determine if there is a better, safer way to do it. A job-hazard analysis works well for jobs with difficult-to-control hazards and jobs with histories of accidents or near misses. JHAs for complex jobs can take a considerable amount of time and expertise to develop. You may want to enlist the help of a safety professional. Most Oregon OSHA rules do not specifically require a JHA. However, employers are required to take the necessary steps to ensure that jobs are safe and healthful. A JHA helps fulfill this requirement. Employers applying for Oregon OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) and the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) conduct JHAS. Key steps in a JHA: . Prepare: Review accident histories, involve employees, conduct risk assessment, and prioritize jobs based on hazardous exposures. Often, jobs need to be broken into tasks to better analyze the steps involved. - Observe the task and list the steps required to accomplish it. • Identify hazards in each step. . Categorize hazards into the following types: struck-by, struck-against, contact-by, contact-with, caught-on, caught-in, caught-between, fall-to-surface, fall-to-below, overexertion, bodily reaction, and overexposure. • Develop hazard controls (engineering controls, management controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and/or interim measures). • Write a safe job procedure. 26

[5] Toolbox Talk: Slips, Trips, and Falls

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# SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS Date Posted: 01/30/2024 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly one-third of reportable injuries and 40% of fatalities in construction result from slips, trips, and falls nationally. These injuries result in 50% more days away from work than other injuries. Slips, trips, and falls are among the top three causes of work-related injury. A worker doesn't have to fall from a high level to suffer fatal injuries; 136 workers were killed in falls on the same level in 2020. However, each of these describes a slightly different kind of incident: • Slips happen when traction's lost between the bottom of your shoe and whatever you're stepping on. This can be caused by uneven terrains like wet ground, ice, or mud; wet or greasy surfaces; poor footwear; and other issues. In addition, slips are more likely to occur when a worker hurries or runs, wears the wrong footwear or ignores where they're walking. • A trip is when someone catches their foot against an object or uneven terrain, causing them to trip and fall. Poor lighting misplaced tools, debris like gravel or nails, and improper safety gear also cause tripping hazards. A fall is a much more severe injury where someone lands too hard on their feet, torso, or head and is knocked over. NOTE: CARRYING, PUSHING, OR PULLING ITEMS THAT ARE HEAVY OR AWKWARD CAN ALSO MAKE SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS MORE LIKELY. THESE ACTIONS CAN AFFECT THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN BALANCE AND THE AMOUNT OF TRACTION NEEDED WHERE THE FEET MEET THE GROUND. ## COMMON CAUSES OF SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL ACCIDENTS - Slick spots or oily spots on walking surfaces • Clutter - Debris • Unsafe stairs or ladders • Improperly secured ladders or scaffolding parts • Improperly sloped walking surfaces • Loose or unsecured flooring • Ramps without skid or slip-resistant surfaces - Accessing/Egressing vehicles and equipment - Loose surfaces such as gravel or crushed rock • Weather-related hazards • Uncovered or unse…

[6] Toolbox Talk: Personal Protective Equipment

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# PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Date Posted: 09/03/2016 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is gear that can be worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It can be worn to help prevent sudden injuries or injuries occur over time. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE and verifies that it fits properly. that ## When to Wear PPE • Before you resort to PPE, you should first: • Use administrative controls • Implement Engineering Controls • Use local exhaust or general ventilation vs. a respirator • Control dust with a wet process vs. dry • Install sound reducing devices to mechanical equipment • When these other two means of protection are exhausted you then will need to select the appropriate PPE. - Often times PPE will be used in conjunction with administrative and engineering controls for added protection. ## BASIC TYPES OF PPE Head: Hard hat, welders cap Hearing: Earmuffs, ear plugs or canal caps Face/Eye: Safety glasses, face shield, safety goggles. Hand: Gloves for general use, chemical use, electrical work or hot work. Body: Chaps, leathers, coveralls Foot Protection: Leather boots, Safety toe/steel toe boots Personal Protective Equipment is gear that is worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE, verifies that the PPE fits properly and is adequate for the work to be performed. Remember: PPE is the last line of defense against a hazard. LEARN MORE ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • Does the PPE you wear to perform your work fit properly and is it in good working condition? What can be done in your work area to improve the use of PPE? • What improvements can be made to reduce the need for PPE? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers …

[7] Toolbox Talk: Arc Flash Hazards

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# ARC FLASH HAZARDS (cont.) ## HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE HAZARDS OF ARC FLASH? (cont.) • De-energizing would create a more significant hazard, or it is necessary for the interests of health and safety that the electrical work is carried out while the equipment is energized (e.g., it may be required for life-saving equipment to remain energized and operating while electrical work is carried out on the equipment). • It is necessary that the electrical equipment to be worked on is energized for the work to be carried out correctly. • It is necessary for testing or troubleshooting. • There is no reasonable alternative means of carrying out the work. ## NOTE: USE APPROPRIATE LOCKOUT, TAGOUT, AND HAZARDOUS ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES TO ISOLATE ENERGIZED EQUIPMENT WHEN A CIRCUIT BREAKER OR OTHER DISCONNECT TURNED OFF. THE BEST ARC FLASH PROTECTION IS TO DE-ENERGIZE EQUIPMENT BEFORE WORKING ON IT! IS Second Best Choice for Arc Flash Protection: Use appropriately rated personal protective equipment (PPE). Arc flash personal protective equipment (PPE) is a combination of clothing and safety equipment worn for protection from arc flash and shock hazards by a person performing electrical work. Primarily, arc flash PPE is divided into the following subgroups: • Head, face, neck, and chin protection • Eye protection • Hearing protection • Body protection • Hand and arm protection • Foot and leg protection ## GENERAL ELECTRICAL SAFE WORK PRACTICES All employees working on or near electrical equipment shall follow general safe work practices, including: • Maintain housekeeping procedures in the work area, e.g., prevent slip trips and falls; eliminate fire hazards; control dust; prevent falling hazards; clear clutter. • Plan and analyze each step of a work task to ensure safety. • - Maintain appropriate work boundaries for qualified electrical workers (QEW) and unqualified workers. • Use properly rated and tested test equipment (e.g., multimeter). …

[8] Toolbox Talk: Hierarchy of Hazard Controls

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# HIERARCHY OF HAZARD CONTROLS (cont.) ## THE FIVE LEVELS OF THE HIERARCHY OF HAZARD CONTROLS (cont.) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE is the fifth control level and the least effective hazard control method. PPE should only be used as the last line of defense when other forms of control are not possible or practical. Example: PPE includes clothing, gloves, and other items that protect the body from hazardous exposure. ## DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW HAZARD CONTROL MEASURES! Review your control measures to ensure they are relevant and keep workers safe. When reviewing hazard control measures, consider the following: • Are the control measures working effectively in both their design and operation? • Are the control measures creating new problems or hazards? • Are you missing any hazards? • Are the new work methods, equipment, or chemicals making the job safer? • Are all employees following the safety procedures? • Do your employees need more instruction and training on how to work safely? • Are your employees actively identifying hazards and possible control measures? • Are your employees raising health and safety concerns and reporting problems promptly? • Are the frequency and severity of health and safety incidents reducing? ## RESOURCES Hierarchy of Controls | NIOSH | CDC Identifying Hazard Control Options: The Hierarchy of Controls (osha.gov)

[9] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide

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# Option 2 <table><tr><th></th><th></th><th colspan="5">Job Hazard Analysis Matrix</th></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Severity of Injury</td><td colspan="5">Probability of an Accident Occurring</td></tr><tr><td>Level</td><td>Description</td><td>A Frequent</td><td>B Several Times</td><td>C Occasional</td><td>D Possible</td><td>E Extremely Improbable</td></tr><tr><td>I</td><td>Fatal or Permanent Disability</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>||</td><td>Severe Illness or Injury</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2233</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>III</td><td>Minor Injury or illness</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>2-3</td><td></td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>IV</td><td>No Injury or Illness</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td></td><td>3</td></tr></table> <table><tr><th colspan="3">Risk Priority</th></tr><tr><td>Code</td><td>Risk Level</td><td>Action Required</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>High</td><td>Work activities must be suspended immediately until hazard can be eliminated or controlled or reduced to a lower level.</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Medium</td><td>Job hazards are unacceptable and must be controlled by engineering, administrative, or personal protective equipment methods as soon as possible.</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Low</td><td>No real or significant hazard exists. Controls are not required but may increase the comfort level of employees.</td></tr></table> 3. Take action on the assessment. Depending on the assigned Risk Level/Code (or Risk priority), take the corresponding action according to the table above: • If Risk priority is LOW (3) for a task step → requires no further action. - Note: If you assign a risk code of 3, be sure that there isn't a WISHA standard that requires specific protection be provided. For example: WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] requires personal protective equipment when using compressed air for cleaning. - If Risk priority is MEDIUM (2) → select and implement appropriate controls. • If Risk priori…

[10] Oregon OSHA: Tools and Techniques for Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

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# This material is for training use only (cont.) This material is for training use only # Hazards Cause Accidents: The Final Effect Struck-by. A person is forcefully struck by an object. The force of contact is provided by the object. Struck-against. A person forcefully strikes an object. The person provides the force or energy. Contact-by. Contact by a substance or material that, by its very nature, is harmful and causes injury. Contact-with. A person comes in contact with a harmful substance or material. The person initiates the contact. Caught-on. A person or part of his/her clothing or equipment is caught on an object that is either moving or stationary. Caught-in. A person or part of him/her is trapped or otherwise caught in an opening or enclosure. Caught-between. A person is crushed, pinched, or otherwise caught between a moving and a stationary object or between two moving objects. Fall-to-surface. A person slips or trips and falls to the surface he/she is standing or walking on. A "top10" cause of injury. Fall-to-below. A person slips or trips and falls to a level below the one he/she was walking or standing on. Overexertion. A person overextends or strains himself/herself while performing work. A "top 10" cause of injury. Bodily reaction. Caused solely from stress imposed by free movement of the body. Sudden motions, bends, slips, or trips without falling. A common cause of injury. Overexposure. Over a period of time, a person is exposed to harmful energy (noise, heat), lack of energy (cold), or substances (toxic chemicals/atmospheres). Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) 16

[11] Guides for Managing Lead Control Programs in Construction

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# Conducting Toolbox Talks ## Who should conduct the Toolbox Talks? • Supervisors, foremen, and union stewards are the best people to help plan and deliver Toolbox Talks. • At times, others with a particular expertise or interest, like the company safety officer, project staff, insurance representative, or industrial hygienist may be recruited to lead a talk. Use the completed worksheet for the talk. Read it directly or use the high- lighted points as discussion starters. It's a matter of style. Some people are more comfortable reading the sheet and others like to use their own words. Use the filled in worksheet for a handout and encourage workers to participate. Be prepared to follow up on issues that arise. See the Toolbox Talk Tips below. ## Toolbox Talks Tips • Adults learn best when the topic: - relates to what they do 。 gives them a chance to discuss the issues. • allows them to use what they have learned. • Back up the Toolbox Talk with questions. Ask the group questions about the topic and conditions at the site. Give people a chance to answer. • Ask about personal experience. What are the conditions at this site? Has this issue come up at other sites? How were any problems fixed? • Encourage participation from the group but don't let a single person dominate. Wait till he/she catches their breath, say "Thank You" and move on. • Never make fun of any one and treat all comments seriously. • Respond to all legitimate complaints and make a point to follow up. • If you don't know an answer - say so - make a note of the question and follow up. • Allow a little time for general discussion, e.g. accidents or near misses. This is not a gripe session. SECTION 2 Toolbox Talks for Lead Hazards F-5

[12] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guide

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# Option 2 # SAMPLE 1 Job Hazard Analysis for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Assessment Job/task: Mill Operator, Mill operator helper Location: Milling room <table><tr><th>Job/Task Step</th><th>Hazard Type</th><th>Hazard Source</th><th>Body Parts At Risk</th><th>Severity</th><th>Probability</th><th>Risk Code</th><th>Control Method*</th></tr><tr><td>Bridgeport Mill Operator</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>-Insert stock to chuck</td><td>penetration</td><td>moving cutter</td><td>fingers</td><td>I</td><td>с</td><td>1</td><td>Turn off cutter when changing stock</td></tr><tr><td>-Processing material</td><td>impact</td><td>flying metal chips</td><td>eyes, face</td><td>II</td><td>B</td><td>1</td><td>install clear guard and require safety glasses</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>penetration</td><td>moving cutter</td><td>fingers</td><td>I</td><td>с</td><td>1</td><td>install clear cutter guard</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>noise (86 dBA)</td><td>motor/cutter</td><td>ears</td><td>II</td><td>с</td><td>2</td><td>require ear plugs or muffs</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>chemical irritation</td><td>cutting fluid</td><td>hands</td><td>III</td><td>B A</td><td>z</td><td>switch to non-allergenic cutting fluid</td></tr><tr><td>- remove stock</td><td>penetration</td><td>metal shavings attached to stock</td><td>hands</td><td>III</td><td>с</td><td>3</td><td>be attentive to work</td></tr><tr><td>Mill Operator's Helper</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>- bring / take pallet of stock to from the milling machine</td><td>crush</td><td>rolling/falling stock</td><td>feet</td><td>II</td><td>с</td><td>2</td><td>require steel toe shoes</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>crush</td><td>rolling/falling stock</td><td>hands</td><td>III</td><td>B</td><td>z</td><td>wear leather gloves when handling stock by hand</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></t…

[13] Toolbox Talk: Slips, Trips, and Falls

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# SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS (cont.) ## CONSTRUCTION AREAS AT HIGH RISK FOR SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL ACCIDENTS (cont.) • Material storage: All materials should be stored away from walkways, not block doors or exits. Be sure that items are not impeding the flow of people. Ensure that things are not stacked so high that they become hazardous. OSHA has requirements for particular types of materials and how they will be stored. ## HOW CAN SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS BE PREVENTED? • Maintain Good Housekeeping - Keep Walking and Working Areas Clear of Debris: Don't leave trip hazards in the work area. Keep your work area clear of debris on the ground, gravel, loose materials, and anything else that could cause someone to step wrong. Debris can be hazardous if it includes nails or other sharp objects. You may need to allocate time for cleaning up messy walking areas throughout the day. Outdoor surfaces should be kept clean and dry. They may be treated with sand, salt, and anti-skid adhesive when necessary. Indoor surfaces should be secured with non-slip floor mats that allow people to clean their shoes. Heavily treaded construction work boots and shoes can track in nails and other potential hazards. • Identify and Take Precautions for Wet and Slippery Conditions: During certain seasons, construction sites can be especially hazardous due to ice, snow, and other wet weather conditions. Clear walkways regularly-at least once every 12 hours during snowfall or icy conditions and periodically in dryer months if water is allowed to collect. Keep walkways and other surfaces as free of slippery materials like mud and precipitation as possible, and implement a "wet floor" signage policy where wet areas are restricted from access until made non-hazardous. • Use the Right Footwear: Using proper footwear is one of the most effective ways of preventing slips, trips, and falls onsite. Regarding work boots, stick to ones with slip-resistant soles, as these offer the best traction on smooth or…

[14] 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.…

[15] Toolbox Talk: The Fatal Four in Construction - Falls

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# THE FATAL FOUR IN CONSTRUCTION - FALLS ## Date Posted: 12/12/2023 Statistically, construction sites are one of the country's most dangerous workplaces, with one in every five deaths occurring in construction as well as being a WA Top 10 rule violation. Falls are the number one cause of construction worker fatalities, accounting for more than one-third (34%) of all deaths in the industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), deaths from falls have continued to increase over the past several years. In Washington State alone, there were 17 deaths from falls from 2017-2022. ## WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY FALL HAZARDS IN CONSTRUCTION? The major types of fall hazards in a general construction setting are: • Unprotected roof edges, roof, and floor openings, structural steel beams creating leading edges, etc. Falls from roofs account for 34% of deaths - all of which were preventable! • Improper scaffold construction. • Unsafe portable ladders. Falls from unsecured ladders result in approximately 100 deaths annually across the country! ## HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FALLS? Washington State L&I has developed a comprehensive campaign to prevent falls in construction. The elements described below are directly taken from that campaign: ## PLAN AHEAD TO GET THE JOB DONE SAFELY When working from heights, employers must plan projects to ensure that it is done safely. Begin by deciding how the job will be done, what tasks will be involved, and what safety equipment may be needed to complete each task. Utilize a Fall Protection Work Plan to assist in planning for work at height. When estimating the cost of a job, employers should include safety equipment and plan to have all the necessary equipment and tools available at the construction site. For example, in a roofing job, consider all the different fall hazards, such as holes or skylights and leading edges, then plan and select fall protection suitable to that work, such as personal fall arrest systems …

[16] Toolbox Talk: Hierarchy of Hazard Controls

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# HIERARCHY OF HAZARD CONTROLS ELIMINATION SUBSTITUTION ENGINEERING CONTROLS ADMINIGOLS TIVE PPE MOTIVE LESS EFFECTIVE Date Posted: 02/17/2024 The hierarchy of hazard controls pyramid is a systematic workflow to provide the most effective control measure for workplace hazards. The tool is used worldwide and prescribes a method to always begin with eliminating any hazards you identify in the workplace. The hierarchy of controls is helpful to aid workers in identifying the most effective way to control a particular hazard. Employers can use the hierarchy of controls to ensure they take the most effective measures to protect their employees from hazards. When faced with a specific hazard in the workplace, use the hierarchy of hazard control as a step-by-step process to determine the best action for controlling or eliminating the hazard. The hierarchy of controls is also helpful for developing a hazard control plan, where you can implement the selected controls in the workplace. The hierarchy of controls is an inverted pyramid with five levels, from most effective to least effective: • Elimination - The physical removal of the hazard. • Substitution - Replacing something that produces a hazard. • Engineering Controls - Isolate people from the hazard. • Administrative Controls - Change the way people work. • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Protect the workers with personal protective equipment (PPE). ## WHAT IS A HAZARD? A hazard can be an object, a material, a substance, a condition, a process, or even a behavior. Some examples are falling from rooftops or heights, unguarded tools or machinery, being struck by heavy equipment, being caught in between hazards (such as unprotected trench or excavation), temperature extremes, and exposed electrical circuits or parts that may cause shock or electrocution. ## HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT ACTIONS Below are some hazard identification and assessment actions that should regularly be undertaken: • Id…

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