Identifying and Addressing Safety Hazards
Hazards are all around us at work and home, and the threats
can take many different forms. It can be a cord stretched over
a walkway, a repetitive process, a worksite that is too cold
or a burnt out lightbulb on an outside path. A hazard can be
defined as any existing or potential condition that, by itself or
by interacting with other variables, can result in death, injury,
property damage or other loss. That’s why it is so important
for all of us to always be on the lookout. If we can identify
hazards early, employers can address them, fix them, and
prevent injury and illness.
Working together, we can be one of our best defenses. Hazard
reporting is a critical part of our safety program. Whether it’s
telling your supervisor, maintenance team, safety committee
or sharing in a designated reporting system, it’s best to
report hazards as soon as they are noticed. Don’t assume
that someone else has seen and reported it already, even if it
seems obvious to you. It’s better to have multiple reports on
the same hazard than none at all.
You are the expert of your job, your workstation, your routines
and tools. If you notice something out of the ordinary, you
should feel empowered to say something about it. Also, be
sure to avoid the trap of complacency – when you’ve done
something a thousand times it can be difficult to spot a
lurking hazard.
For more information click here to review 5-Minute Safety Talk Flyer.
