Hazard recognition
The National Safety Council goes into great detail on all of the Hazard Recognition techniques for the fourth and final week of National Safety Month.
https://www.nsc.org/safety-first/national-safety-month-2023
National Institute for Occupational Occupational Saftey and Health
Recognizing hazards in the workplace is the first step to preventing injury and death. NIOSH offers several tools to help workers and employers identify hazards.
Hazards are all around us both on and off the job.
After hazards are identified they can be prevented. A hierarchy of controls helps determine how to implement feasible and effective control solutions. One of the best ways to prevent and control occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities is to “design out” or minimize hazards and risks. NIOSH leads a national initiative called Prevention through Design (PtD). NIOSH, NSC and the American Society of Safety Professionals present an annual PtD award honoring achievement in this area.
While some hazards might seem minor, from a burnt-out bulb to a cord stretched across a walkway, they can all create risks. But if we can identify hazards early, they can be reported and addressed to prevent injury and illness. Keeping a watchful eye for safety is a skill we can all work on.
All workers can show their dedication to safety by taking the Council’s SafeAtWork pledge and committing to:
Actively help my employer improve our safety programs
Report hazards promptly and suggest solutions
Be a good safety role model for my friends and family, even off the job
Some hazards exist that can’t necessarily be seen, of which we should also be aware. These include impairment hazards. NSC promotes employer policies and procedures that define workplace impairment as anything that could impede one’s ability to function normally or safely, regardless of cause. Impairment can be caused by chemical factors, such as legal or illegal substances; physical factors, like fatigue; and psychosocial factors, like mental distress and stress.