Identifying
and Controlling Hazards
Course 101
Safety Certified Supervisor Series
MODULE
ONE: BASIC CONCEPTS
Recognized Hazards.
Occasionally, students ask what
is considered a "recognized" hazard in the workplace. As described
in OSHA's Field Compliance Manual, recognition of a hazard is established
on the basis of industry recognition, employer recognition, or "common
sense" recognition criteria.
- Industry Recognition.
A hazard is recognized if the employer's industry recognizes it. Recognition
by an industry, other than the industry to which the employer belongs, is
generally insufficient to prove industry recognition. Although evidence
of recognition by the employer's specific branch within an industry is preferred,
evidence that the employer's industry recognizes the hazard may be sufficient.
- Employer Recognition.
A recognized hazard can be established by evidence of actual employer knowledge.
Evidence of such recognition may consist of written or oral statements made
by the employer or other management or supervisory personnel during or before
the OSHA inspection, or instances where employees have clearly called the
hazard to the employer's attention.
- Common Sense Recognition.
If industry or employer recognition of the hazard cannot be established,
recognition can still be established if it is concluded that any reasonable
person would have recognized the hazard. This argument is used by OSHA only
in flagrant cases. Note: Throughout our courses we argue that "common
sense" is a dangerous concept in safety. Employers should not assume
that accidents in the workplace are the result of a lack of common sense.