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Hazard Analysis and Hazard Assessment

Hazard Analysis and Hazard Assessment
Hazard Analysis and Hazard Assessment
Hazard Analysis and Hazard Assessment Video

Overview of Hazard Analysis

OSHA defines hazard as any situation, source, or act that has a potential to cause harm such as ill health or injury, or even a combination of the two. Hazards are the primary cause for occupational safety and health problems. All employers should identify and remove all potential hazards from the workplace. To keep the workplace safe, employers must conduct hazard analysis.

Hazard analysis is the process of identifying hazards that have the potential to arise from a system or environment, documenting their unwanted consequences, and analyzing their underlying causes. This analysis process starts in the early stages of a project with a Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) and continues throughout the product’s life cycle.

The objectives of hazard analysis are threefold:

  • To identify hazards of the equipment under control and the control system for all circumstances, including fault conditions and misuse.
  • To identify and analyze causes leading to the hazardous events identified.
  • To determine potential risks.

Hazard analysis is performed for one of the following reasons:

  • Examination of new system development to identify and analyze potential hazards and consequently control or eliminate them.
  • Examination of the existing system to identify and analyze hazards to improve safety, create new safety management policy, train personnel, increase motivation for safety and efficiency of operation among employees.
  • Examination of an existing system to showcase the safety commitment of the organization to its customer, government, and the public through certification

Hazard analysis is a continuous process that has to be performed to mitigate hazards that can be introduced at any stage from requirements, design, development, product testing, installation, commissioning, operation, system maintenance, and disposal of a system. Some of the events that could initiate hazard analysis include:

  • Concept definition
  • Reviews of requirement, design, design change
  • Evaluation of different plans including installation and commissioning, operating and support, decommissioning

By conducting hazard analysis, organisations can:

  • Improve the quality of the product
  • Reduce down time of processes
  • Enhance process or procedure
  • Promotes safety feeling among employees


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What is Hazard Assessment?

Hazard assessment is an essential component of risk management that helps identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential hazards for workplace safety, environmental protection, emergency planning, and public health. The hazard assessment process is categorized into three steps: identification, evaluation, and control.

  • Hazard Identification: This involves identifying all the potential hazards, including physical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards.
  • Hazard Evaluation: The next step is to prioritize hazards based on their level of risk and determine which require immediate attention.
  • Hazard Control: In this step, safety leaders prepare practical and cost-effective hazard mitigation strategies to reduce or eliminate the identified risks. These measures can be as simple as mandating PPE gears to implement engineering or administrative controls.
What is Hazard Assessment

OSHA and Hazard Assessment

Hazard assessment is part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations in the United States that outline specific requirements to ensure workplace safety. OSHA mandates that employers assess and address workplace hazards systematically to protect workers from potential harm. Compliance with OSHA's hazard assessment requirements is critical for maintaining workplace safety and preventing injuries and illnesses, and employers should be familiar with OSHA regulations and guidelines and implement a robust assessment program on hazards to protect the health and safety of their workers.

When it comes to hazard assessment, OSHA emphasizes three important processes - training, documentation, and hazard review.

  • Training:

    Employers must ensure employees are trained in hazard identification, evaluation, and control measures relevant to their job tasks. Effective communication of hazard assessment findings, controls, and procedures to workers ensures their understanding and compliance.

  • Documentation:

    OSHA requires employers to document hazard assessments, including hazard identification, evaluation, and control measures. Documentation should be thorough, accurate, and readily available for employees, OSHA inspectors, and other stakeholders to review.

  • Review:

    Regular reviews are also essential to ensure that the risk management measures remain relevant and effective. Changes in the workplace, regulations, or technology may affect the hazards and risks associated with a particular workplace, requiring reassessment and modification of mitigation strategies.

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Fundamentals of Hazard Assessment

To perform a hazard assessment, one must be aware of the different types of hazards. OSHA lists five different types of workplace hazards. They are:

Safety Hazard
Safety hazards

Includes any substance, object, or condition that has the potential to harm workers. Examples of safety hazards include spills on shop floor, falls from height, machines with moving parts, electrical hazards, walkway blockages, among others.

Chemical Hazard
Chemical hazards

Which is caused by exposure to acids, flammable liquids, silica dust, pesticides, carbon monoxide, pesticides. The exposure can be in any form such as vapors, fumes, gases, or liquids.

Biological Hazard
Biological hazards

Include exposure to animals or other infection-prone material such as fungi, blood, mold, viruses, or animal droppings.

Physical Hazard
Physical hazards

Can harm workers with or without direct contact through radiation, exposure to extreme temperatures, surrounded by loud noise, or long hours under the sun.

Ergonomic Hazard
Ergonomic hazards

That can occur due to repetitive work, tasks that puts the body under certain strain or even the type of work. As the problem develops over time, this type of hazard is difficult to spot.

Hazard assessments help identify, evaluate, and manage risk associated with hazards and also help adopt different hazard controls in the design process. Depending on the nature of the process, manufacturers can use different hazard controls.

There are three fundamental parts to hazard assessment: prepare, implement, and learn.

Prepare

  • Define the scope of hazard assessment.

  • Assemble the team with clearly defined roles, expectations, and responsibilities.

  • Familiarise with common hazards that can be encountered in research activities.

Implement

  • Determine different ways to conduct a hazard assessment.

  • Conduct risk assessment and risk rating to predict the chances of any hazard occurring.

  • Based on the hazard assessment, establish the possible danger in the task, material, or equipment.

  • Leverage control measures to prevent, eliminate or reduce the risk of any identified hazard occurring.

Learn

  • Research past injuries, accidents, and near misses.

  • Understand the new equipment, facilities, and personnel for new hazards and prepare new controls to apply.

  • Conduct regular visits, revise and update safety documents and protocols to prevent hazard encounters.

  • Prepare

    • Define the scope of hazard assessment.

    • Assemble the team with clearly defined roles, expectations, and responsibilities.

    • Familiarise with common hazards that can be encountered in research activities.

  • Implement

  • Learn

    • Research past injuries, accidents, and near misses.

    • Understand the new equipment, facilities, and personnel for new hazards and prepare new controls to apply.

    • Conduct regular visits, revise and update safety documents and protocols to prevent hazard encounters.



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Hazard Analysis Limitations

What are the Limitations of Hazard Analysis?

The success of hazard analysis is based on the committee members, and they must have relevant experience and understanding of the processes. Any lack thereof could affect the effectiveness of the analysis. Although the analysis of hazards is a continuous process, there are many limitations to it. Some of them are:

  • Unavailability of the hazard analysis method to identify all accident scenarios, hazards, and consequences
  • Assumption based hazard analysis method can yield different results with a different set of parameters
  • The analysis is based on the experience of participants
  • Results of a hazard analysis can be challenging to manage and interpret

How to Conduct Hazard Analysis?

Broadly, there are two types of hazards – realized and unrealized. While a realized hazard can be identified from experience, an unrealized hazard has no previous occurrence but can be identified by observing and analyzing the environment or by studying the failed models of equipment.

There are many different hazard analysis techniques. Some of them are:

  • Function Failure Analysis
  • Cause-consequence Diagrams
  • Failure Modes and Effects Analysis
  • Hazard and Operability Studies
  • Fault Tree Analysis
  • Event Tree Analysis
  • Job Hazard Analysis
A hazard analysis includes the following steps:
  • Define objectives of the system, procedure, and process.
  • Identify the various hazards based on the complexities of the process through different data points such as historical data, standards and code of practice, and experimental results.
  • Research various scenarios and categorize them based on the potential to become a hazard.
  • Determine the probability of an accident in risk assessment using source models.
  • Conclude and decide if the risk is acceptable. If acceptable, implement the process. Else, restart the hazard analysis.
While conducting hazard analysis, follow these best practices:
  • Involve employees to get their unique knowledge and understanding. This helps minize oversights and improves employee morale.
  • Review history of accidents and other occupational illnesses as they act as indicators to existing hazards.
  • Conduct preliminary review of jobs to understand the potential risk involved and brainstorm hazard controls.
  • Based on the severity of the risk potential, rank the jobs and set priorities for hazard analysis.
  • Create an outline of tasks or steps that needs to be taken as part of hazard analysis as this helps collect information accurately.

What is Process Hazard Analysis mandated by OSHA?

OSHA mandates a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) for all industrial processes that use hazardous chemicals. PHA identifies and analyzes data that will allow employers and employees to make decisions related to improving safety and reducing the repercussions of an unplanned release of hazardous chemicals into nature. PHA’s purpose is to identify the implications of scenarios that can cause fires, explosions, chemical spills, or the release of toxic chemicals. There are various methods for conducting PHA:

  • A What-if Study where review consists of what-if questions based on the processes.

  • A Checklist to support a what-if study of a more complicated process.

  • A formal structured method, namely Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) that analyzes possible deviations in the design conditions.

Process Hazard Analysis

  • A systematic study called Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) includes a diagram of the operation and details all components that have the potential to fail and, in turn, affect the safety of the operation.

  • A qualitative or quantitative Fault Tree Analysis that focuses on all the potential undesirable outcomes, like toxic gas release or explosion that can arise from a specific initiating event.

  • An appropriate equivalent method.

  • A What-if Study where review consists of what-if questions based on the processes.

  • A Checklist to support a what-if study of a more complicated process.

  • A formal structured method, namely Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) that analyzes possible deviations in the design conditions.

  • A systematic study called Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) includes a diagram of the operation and details all components that have the potential to fail and, in turn, affect the safety of the operation.

  • A qualitative or quantitative Fault Tree Analysis that focuses on all the potential undesirable outcomes, like toxic gas release or explosion that can arise from a specific initiating event.

  • An appropriate equivalent method.

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Hazard Identification Tools

Hazard identification tools are essential instruments used to detect potential risks and hazards in the workplace. These tools help safety professionals to systematically identify, evaluate, and control hazards, ensuring a safer working environment. Effective hazard identification is the first step toward a comprehensive risk management strategy.

Types of Hazard Identification Tools

Various tools and methods are available for hazard identification, each serving a unique purpose and suited to different environments. These tools are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, the public, and the environment. Below, we explore some of the most commonly used hazard identification tools in more detail:




Each tool is critical in hazard identification, contributing to a safer working environment by systematically identifying and mitigating potential risks. By employing these methods, organizations can better protect their employees, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

How to Use Hazard Identification Tools

Utilizing hazard identification tools effectively is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. Here are the expanded steps to ensure you get the most out of these tools:

Step 1: Select the Appropriate Tool

The first step in using hazard identification tools effectively is selecting the appropriate tool for your specific needs. Different workplaces and projects may require different tools. For instance, a construction site might benefit from a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or a Safety Checklist. At the same time, a chemical plant might need a more specialized tool like a Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP).

Consider the following factors when choosing a tool:

  • Nature of the Work: Different industries have different types of hazards. Choose a tool designed to address the specific risks associated with your industry.
  • Complexity of the Task: More complex tasks require more sophisticated tools to identify potential hazards adequately.
  • Regulatory Requirements: Ensure the chosen tool meets legal or regulatory requirements specific to your industry or location.


Step 2: Gather Data

Once you have selected the appropriate tool, the next step is to gather all relevant data and information about the workplace or process being analyzed. This data collection should be thorough and may include:

  • Workplace Observations: Observe the work environment and processes to identify potential hazards.
  • Historical Data: Review past incident reports, near misses, and other safety records to identify recurring issues or trends.
  • Employee Input: Engage with employees who perform the tasks or work in the analyzed areas. Their firsthand experience can provide valuable insights into potential hazards.
  • Industry Standards: Refer to industry standards and guidelines to consider all potential hazards.


Step 3: Analyze

With the relevant data in hand, use the selected hazard identification tool to analyze the information and identify potential hazards. This process may involve:

  • Breaking Down Tasks: Decompose complex tasks into smaller steps to identify hazards at each stage.
  • Considering Different Scenarios: Think about various scenarios, including worst-case situations, to ensure all possible hazards are identified.
  • Evaluating Existing Controls: Assess the effectiveness of existing control measures and identify areas for improvement.

Step 4: Implement Controls

After identifying potential hazards, the next step is to develop and implement control measures to mitigate these risks. This involves:

  • Elimination: Where possible, eliminate the hazard. This is the most effective control measure.
  • Substitution: If elimination is not feasible, consider substituting the hazardous process or material with a less hazardous one.
  • Engineering Controls: Implement physical workplace changes or processes to reduce the hazard. Examples include installing guards on machinery or improving ventilation.
  • Administrative Controls: Develop policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure safe work practices.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide appropriate PPE to employees to protect them from hazards that cannot be adequately controlled through other measures.


Step 5: Review and Update

Hazard identification is not a one-time activity. It requires regular review and updating to ensure ongoing effectiveness. This involves:

  • Regular Inspections: Conduct regular workplace inspections to identify new or changing hazards.
  • Review of Control Measures: Periodically review the effectiveness of control measures and make adjustments as necessary.
  • Employee Feedback: Continuously seek feedback to identify new hazards or concerns.
  • Training and Awareness: Ensure all employees are trained on new hazards and control measures. Keep safety training programs up to date.


Following these steps, hazard identification tools can be used to create a safer and healthier workplace. Regularly reviewing and updating your hazard identification process ensures that it remains effective in identifying and mitigating risks, ultimately contributing to a safety culture and continuous improvement.

CQ Solution for Hazard Analysis

ComplianceQuest Solution For Hazard Analysis

Centralize all the incident data, near misses, safety observations, investigations for implementing agile corrective actions with ComplianceQuest’s Health and Safety Incident Management Solution. Furthermore, mitigate risks and prevent accidents by detecting a hazardous trend ahead of time using built-in analytics, predictive intelligence, dashboards, and mobile capabilities. By instilling an enterprise-wide safety culture that can reduce the cost of compensation, improve employee productivity and morale, enhance brand reputation and increase regulatory compliance with ComplianceQuest Health and Safety Incident Management solution. Being built on Salesforce.com, the solution is flexible, scalable, and customizable to suit any organization’s needs.

Consolidate incident data,near misses, safety observations, and investigations for implementing agile corrective actions with CQ's Hazard Analysis and Hazard Assessment Solutions, which is flexible, scalable, and customizable to suit any organization’s needs

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Types of Hazard Assessments:

    • Job Hazard Analysis (JHA): Focuses on hazards associated with specific job tasks.

    • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Evaluates potential environmental hazards and impacts of projects.

    • Process Hazard Analysis (PHA): Identifies hazards in industrial processes, often using methods like HAZOP or FMEA.

    • Safety Risk Assessment: Examines overall safety risks within an organization or system.

    • Fire Hazard Assessment: Identifies fire-related risks and safety measures.

    • Chemical Hazard Assessment: Focuses on identifying and managing chemical-related risks.

    • Health Hazard Assessment: Assesses risks to human health from exposure to substances or conditions.

  • Once hazard analysis is complete, the findings can be used in the following ways:

    • Improve system safety requirements

    • Device new test plans

    • Implement operational instructions to improve safety

    • Document design descriptions for future reference

    • Prepare management plans for review


    Hazard analysis also helps evaluate the risk and promote hazard control and hazard avoidance. By implementing administrative measures such as training, maintenance, PPE, inspections or engineering control measures such as design features, warning alarms, operating procedures, material or chemical substitution, businesses can control hazards within the organsiation.

  • Enterprises must invest in health and safety information to effectively and efficiently protect workers, reduce safety costs, and lower risk to operations. With CQ’s Workplace Safety for Work.com Solution organizations can now combine safety management methodology with robust technology that will provide a platform to collect, collate and trend health and safety data.

    Workplace Safety – Safety, Risk Management, Compliance

    • People Safety: Manage current and emerging hazards for workers, contractors, suppliers, clients, and the community as full operations resume.

    • Safety Risk Management: Collect and analyze information from operations to understand the hazards and manage the risk.

    • Management Tools: Ensure safety managers and HR have the information at their fingertips to manage the return of staff after illness or injury

    • Facility Compliance: Provide the tools and schedule for consistent inspections to ensure the safety of people and quality of operations.

    • Analytics: Take the guesswork out of decision-making with real-time data and metrics across the organization.

    Some of the features of CQ’s Workplace Safety for Work.com Solution include

    • Facility inspections that help define the checklists, schedule, and support assessment of the type and level of safe activity for specific locations

    • Injury and illness reporting ensures all workers have complete access to report any illness, risk events, or hazards

    • Track and manage PPE inventory with PPE management

    • Record and manage information and approvals of employes returning to work

    • Allow workers to report both positive and negative safety related observations

    • Manage and record information to conduct hazard analysis that helps understand and manage risk effectively

    • Record a stop work order and manage risks using Stop work authority

    • Improve health and safety communication across the organisation through safety notifcation (Chatter)

    • Gain complete access to all information related to risk using analytics and dashboard

  • IoT innovations in health and safety are effective, affordable, and more productive than human or physical barriers on site. Sensors and apps interact with each other to monitor equipment and environmental performance and alert workers and supervisors of potential hazards in real-time. This helps safety personnel be more effective and less intrusive at the same time. Some of the advantages of using IoT-enabled technology in Health & Safety (H&S) Management include:

    • Reduced costs as wearable tech devices are becoming affordable. Carefully monitoring the health parameters of people, especially in locations like factories, oil rigs or mines, will certainly help increase employee well-being and early detection of health challenges.

    • Better accessibility & analytics of safety-related data as smart IoT infrastructure transmits data from the sensors to the cloud automatically. Going a step further, the analysis of this data can be automated and predictive insights can be drawn out for further analysis by leaders.

    • Enhanced visibility into workers’ health and the work environment gives management the opportunity to make data-driven decisions that protect the safety and health of the employees.

  • Methods of Hazard Analysis:

    • Job Safety Analysis (JSA) simplifies job tasks into multiple steps to identify potential hazards and safety controls.

    • Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) systematically examines a process or system to identify deviations that may lead to hazards.

    • Event Tree Analysis (ETA) examines the consequences of an initiating event.

    • Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) analyzes events leading to a specific hazard, using a tree-like diagram.

    • Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) is performed to spot hazards early in a new project's development phase.

    • Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) gauges potential failure modes of a system, ranking them by severity.

    • Bowtie Analysis uses a bowtie diagram to identify potential hazards, causes, and consequences.

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