Identifying and Controlling Hazards
Course 101
Safety Certified Supervisor Series

MODULE ONE: BASIC CONCEPTS

What is a hazard?

Before we study identifying, analyzing and controlling hazards in the workplace, it's important to know how OSHA defines the term. OSHA defines a hazard as, "a danger which threatens physical harm to employees." Expanding on that basic definition we can think of a hazard as an:

"unsafe workplace conditions or practices (dangers) that could cause injuries or illnesses (harm) to employees. "

A hazard may be an object (tools, equipment, machinery, materials) or a person (when distracted, mentally/ physically incapable). It's important to know that a hazard is only one part in the "accident formula" above. It takes a hazard and exposure before an accident can occur.

Look around...what do you see?

I'll bet if you look around your workplace, you'll be able to locate a few hazardous conditions or work practices without too much trouble. Did you know that, at any time, an OSHA inspector could announce his or her presence at your corporate front door to begin a comprehensive inspection. What would they find? What do they look for? Now, if you used the same inspection strategy as an inspector, wouldn't that be smart? Let's take a look at some information contained in OSHA's Field Compliance Manual, relating to hazards and exposure.