The first step in hazard recognition is identifying potential hazards that could pose a risk to workers or the work environment. Once hazards are recognized, they can then be assessed for severity and appropriate control measures can be implemented.
Falling objects are a physical hazard commonly found on construction sites. Physical hazards involve unsafe physical conditions that can cause harm to workers, such as falling tools or debris. Other examples of physical hazards include moving machinery and unguarded edges.
The primary factor in evaluating a hazard’s severity is the potential consequences it could have if it were to occur, such as injury, illness, or damage. This helps prioritize which hazards need to be addressed first.
PPE is a common control measure for reducing risk when hazardous tasks cannot be eliminated or substituted. This includes items like helmets, gloves, and safety glasses to protect workers from identified risks.
