Safety Hazard Identification

Hazard Identification

Overview

Systematic identification, categorisation, and documentation of workplace hazards across construction activities. Supports RAMS development, permit-to-work processes, and safety inspections. Primary agents: RAMS Review Specialist, HSE Safety Manager.

Triggers

• New work activity planned
• Site condition change requiring reassessment
• Safety review or audit triggered
• Incident requiring additional hazard identification

Steps

1. Activity Analysis → Break down the work task into individual steps
2. Hazard Recognition → For each step, identify energy sources, hazardous materials, environmental conditions
3. Categorisation → Classify each identified hazard by type: Physical, Chemical, Biological, Ergonomic, Psychosocial, Electrical, Mechanical, Radiation, Working at Height, Excavation/Trenching, Lifting/Rigging, Confined Space
4. Documentation → Record hazard description, location, activity, and associated tasks
5. Validation → Cross-reference with historical hazard databases and regulatory requirements
6. Control Mapping → Link each hazard to appropriate control measures from organisational control library

Success Criteria

• All work steps analysed
• Hazards identified by type and severity
• Each hazard mapped to at least one control measure
• Hazard register updated and accessible

Common Pitfalls

1. Missing environmental hazards (weather, atmospheric conditions)
2. Focusing only on obvious hazards while missing secondary/indirect hazards
3. Not considering adjacent activities that may introduce new hazards
4. Incomplete categorisation leading to inappropriate controls

Cross-References

• safety-RAMS-review/SKILL.md — RAMS document input
• safety-risk-assessment/SKILL.md — Risk assessment follows hazard identification