IS YOUR WORKPLACE SAFE AND SOUND?
Safe + Sound is a year-round campaign to encourage every workplace to have a safety and health program.
PART THREE |
Find & Fix Hazards
At the core of every effective safety and health program is a systematic process for identifying and controlling (i.e., finding and fixing) workplace hazards.
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Why Is It Important?
Traditional approaches to finding and fixing workplace hazards are often reactive. Actions are taken only after a worker is injured or becomes sick, a new standard or regulation is published, or an outside inspection finds a problem that must be fixed. Finding and fixing hazards using a proactive approach, before they cause injury or illness, is far more effective.
Workplaces are always evolving as new technologies, processes, materials, and workers are introduced. By adopting a systematic approach, businesses can stay on top of emerging hazards that could lead to injury or illness.
A systematic find and fix approach means:
- Involving workers, who often have the best understanding of the conditions that create hazards and insights into how they can be controlled.
- Reviewing all available information about hazards that might be present.
- Conducting inspections to identify new or emerging hazards.
- Investigating incidents to identify root causes and potential solutions.
- Evaluating options using the “hierarchy of controls”.
- Considering how to protect workers during emergencies and nonroutine activities.
- Checking that existing controls are intact and remain effective.
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See more at:
Hazard Identification: Collect and Review Hazard Information (osha.gov)
More resources:
- Review strategies for identifying hazards using Safe + Sound’s “That Was No Accident!”
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/SHP_That-Was-No-Accident.pdf
- Find tips and tools for completing a “Job Hazard Analysis” https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3071.pdf in OSHA’s booklet.
Spencer-SHE has been providing Safety, Health, and Environmental Compliance Guidance and training since 1980, offering clients cost-effective, turn-key solutions. We get to know our clients and assist in finding/fixing workplace hazards. Our services are customized accordingly.
Contact us here and let Spencer-SHE help optimize your workplace safety culture.
Source:
Develop your program | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)