Guide To Workplace Health Hazard Evaluations and Assessments
Thousands of workers are fatally injured yearly due to workplace health hazards. In 2020, 4,764 fatal cases were recorded in the United States. Unfortunately, this number increases every year.
To counter this increase, employers are required to provide health hazard evaluations. But what exactly are health hazard evaluations? And how do you conduct one?
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), health hazard evaluations identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards.
Conducting a workplace hazard assessment doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be pretty straightforward. All you need is some official training, some knowledge, and preparation.
If you want to learn more about official hazard evaluations, here’s a quick guide on conducting one.
What Is a Workplace Hazard Assessment?
A workplace hazard assessment is simply a review of your workplace to identify potential hazards. This can include anything from electrical hazards to slip and fall risks.
Other potential hazards are chemicals, dust, noise, and lighting levels. Once you’ve identified the hazards, you can then take steps to mitigate them.
Conducting a Workplace Hazard Assessment
There are four steps to conducting a workplace hazard assessment. First, you want to define the scope of the evaluation. It would be best if you determined what exactly you’ll be assessing. This includes identifying which work tasks, areas, and materials need an assessment.
Observe Your Workspace
The first step to observing your work environment is uncovering potential hazards. This includes observing anything that you may have missed in the past. Next, you want to review past incidents and accidents. This will help you identify any patterns or recurring problems you must address.
Get Your Employees Involved
Once you have observed your work environment, consult with your employees. Employees are often the best source of information when it comes to identifying potential hazards in the workplace. Be sure to allow them to voice their concerns.
For example, you can interview your employees during their work processes. This can be a great way to identify potential hazards. It will also allow you to offer official training to prevent health hazards.
Take Corrective Action
The final step in your evaluations should be to implement corrective measures. Once potential hazards have been identified, you’ll need to take steps to mitigate them. This may involve anything from changing procedures to investing in new safety equipment.
Keep a Record of Your Health Hazard Evaluations
You want to ensure that your health hazard evaluations are fully documented. It shows your dedication to maintaining a safe workplace.
Your records should contain a list of all the hazards you have identified in your workplace. It should also include any hazards you’ve eliminated and those you still need to address.
Your records should have the date and time when the evaluation was conducted. The goal is to have as much information as possible about the evaluation process.
This will help you identify areas where you can improve safety at work. It will also show how you have made improvements compared to past evaluations. Working with an industrial hygienist like Phase Associates can make this process effortless.
Has Your Business Had Any Official Hazard Evaluations?
Conducting regular health hazard evaluations is essential. It is an excellent way to help maintain a safe and healthy workplace. By following the steps outlined above, defining the scope of the evaluations, identifying potential hazards, connecting with employees, and implementing controls to eliminate or reduce hazards, you can efficiently conduct a practical assessment in your workplace.
Yet, if you haven’t had any official hazard evaluations, the time to get one is now! Don’t allow your business to run the risk of being unsafe.
Phase Associates can help you with your health hazard evaluations. Be proactive and contact our dedicated team today!
Our services are offered to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia and Maryland.