Step One: Recognize

Action 1: Understand Hazard vs. Risk

A hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm. Risk is the likelihood of a hazard causing harm. For example: Hazards are the sharks you spot in the ocean while standing on the shore. They become Risks when you get in the water.

Action 2: What could go wrong?

Stand back and take a “bird’s eye” or “big picture” view of your situation. Based on your knowledge of the task and/or workplace, ask yourself “What things in my area could reasonably and foreseeably go wrong or cause an unwanted incident?” and “What things have been a problem in the past?”

Action 3: Consider all Physical, Chemical, Biological, Environmental, and Latent Hazards

• Physical – includes objects falling (gravity), explosion/implosion (pressure, vacuum), crushing/pinching (mechanical), high voltage (electrical), repetitive motion (ergonomic), access/egress (confined spaces), fire, sharp objects, noise, vibration, lighting, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, etc.
• Chemical – includes corrosives (acids/bases), carcinogens, toxics, irritants, etc.
• Biological – includes bacteria, viruses, molds, parasites, etc.
• Environmental – includes high or low temperatures, humidity, ventilation, oxygen concentration, etc.
• Latent – includes managerial influences and social pressures, the culture of the organization, the way people are trained, the methods used to develop standard operating procedures, etc. Latent conditions tend to be hidden until triggered by an event. For example, the RMS Titanic carried 20 lifeboats that could accommodate 1,178 people. This was not a hazard until 1,179 (and more!) people boarded the ship. What things in your area appear safe, but could become a hazard if conditions changed slightly?

Here are some links to resources that may help you identify hazards in your area:

• OSHA Job Hazard Analysis - Guidance from OSHA regarding how to utilize JHAs.
• Pre-Task Safety Assessment - A simple checklist to help users preplan safety into their daily tasks.
• Safety Plan - Develop more in depth safety plans for research activities.
• Job Safety Analysis (accessible version) - A formal JSA file to help users identify and mitigate hazards in their work tasks.
  

If you want additional help assessing the risks in your work area, please ask your supervisor or contact Risk Management at (801) 422-4468.

Action 4: Congratulate yourself!

Well done! Identifying all of the hazards is commonly the most difficult step. Now that you have your list, Step 2: ACT, will help you reduce or eliminate those hazards and risks.