Identifying Hazards
This training session outline is designed to help explain the importance of hazard awareness and acting to prevent accidents before they happen.
A. Background for Trainer:
Virtually all accidents can be prevented. We say that a lot - but how do we encourage employees to actively look for potential hazards in their jobs and stop tragedies before they happen? A good safety record requires everyone to develop a strong "safety sense" - an ability to recognize hazards and do something about them.
Supervisors should encourage their employees to develop this safety sense: to look for hazards, correct the problem if they can, and report the problem to their supervisors if they can't. If everyone is a "hazard deceptive," the number of accidents and near misses should go down.
B. What OSHA Requires:
There is no general rule requiring employees to identify hazards on their own and correct them. However, for many specific operations, OSHA requires that employees be trained to recognize the hazards of their jobs and know how to protect themselves against these hazards.
More generally, training employees to develop a "safety sense" - to look for hazards and take affirmative steps to correct them - is essential for promoting overall safety and reducing the number of accidents and injuries.
C. Training Objectives:
By the end of this session, employees should understand:
D. Pre-Quiz:
Start off by asking the group some or all of the following questions. This tests their general knowledge of the topic and will guide you on what points to emphasize during the session.
1. True or False: If you notice a hazardous condition, that's the company's problem - you should mind you own business and not make waves.
(Answer: False. Safety - including correcting hazardous conditions - should be everyone's business.)
2. True or False: If something doesn't look or "feel" safe, you should do something about it even if you're not sure what the problem is.
(Answer: True. Employees with a good "safety sense" will instinctively recognize a potentially hazardous situation and act to solve the problem.)
3. What should you do if you notice a hazardous condition that you can't correct by yourself?
(Answer: Immediately report the condition to a supervisor.)
E. Session Outline:
General Training Point: This session is a general explanation of hazard awareness, but is not designed to replace specific hazard recognition training that OSHA may require for specific operations.
1. Overview: Being a "Hazard Detective"
a. An on the job accident happens once every 18 seconds - but almost all of these accidents can be prevented
b. The key is to think ahead - think about what you're doing, where you're going, what can go wrong
c. Train yourself to be constantly alert to hazards and to know how to avoid them
Training Tip: Give examples from your workplace of accidents or near misses that could have been prevented if someone had been thinking ahead.
2. Investing Hazards
a. Examine the substances, equipment, and conditions that are part of you job
b. Look for possible hazards - physical (fire, explosion, chemicals, etc.),hazardous conditions, or unsafe acts
c. Take action to eliminate or reduce hazards:
i. Use proper protective equipment
ii. Correct problems if trained to do so
iii. Report problems if you can't fix them yourself
Training Tip: Ask the group to name types of hazards that they can identify and correct themselves, as well as hazards they should report to a supervisor.
3. Organize Your Workspace
a. A neat and organized work area is key to preventing accidents:
i. Spilled materials can cause a slip and fall
ii. Open drawer - someone could bang into it
iii. Sharp or pointed object could wound someone
iv. Chemical substances could cause explosion or fire
v. Overloaded electrical circuits could cause a fire
vi. A load or stack could shift and fall on someone
b. Correct problems you see even if someone else created them
Training Tip: Use other examples relevant to your actual workplace of ways to reduce hazards by being neat and organized.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
a. Think about what personal protection is required for the hazards of you job
b. Read container labels and MSDS's to know what kind of PPE to use
c. Proper PPE can prevent:
i. Exposure or burns from hazardous chemicals
ii. Hearing damage from noise
iii. Eye or face injuries from flying objects
iv. Electrical shock or burns
v. Lack of oxygen in a confined space
d. Inspect PPE before use to make sure it's in good condition - otherwise it won't keep you safe; report any damage to a supervisor
Training Tip: Have the group name examples of different kinds of PPE to use in different situations.
5. Preventing Workplace Fires
a. Common fire hazards include:
i. Damaged or misused electrical equipment
ii. Flammable liquids that are exposed to sources of ignition
iii. Smoking, open flames, and sparks near flammables
iv. Welding and cutting with torches
v. Space heaters that are improperly used
vi. Flammable scraps - need to be covered
vii. Oxygen cylinders - never used near flammables, must b3e stored properly
viii. Motors and machine tools need to be free of dust and grease buildup
ix. Paint spray booths must have clean filters and approved electrical equipment
b. If you see a fire hazard, report it immediately
Training Tip: Mention, or ask the group to name, other possible fire hazards in your workplace.
6. Hazardous Substances
a. Always check the labels and MSDS's of chemical substances before you use them
b. Labels and MSDS's will tell you:
i. If the substance is flammable, explosive, or reactive
ii. The special health risks
iii. If the substance could cause a chemical reaction, causing a fire, explosion, or release of toxic vapors
c. Ask yourself if nearby workers could inhale vapors or be splashed
d. Ask yourself if the right PPE is available, and if you know how to use it
e. Remember these precautions with hazardous substances:
i. Don't use a substance that is not labeled
ii. Keep containers closed if not in use
iii. Make sure there's enough ventilation
iv. Don't mix a chemical with any other substance unless instructed to
v. Know what to do in an emergency
Training Tip: Review the proper procedures to follow in the event of an emergency involving chemical exposure or a spill
7. Hazards of Lifting and Material Handling
a. Plan ahead - take the safest and simplest route when moving heavy objects; remove obstacles in your path beforehand
b. If the load is too heavy, get help or break it into smaller loads
c. Lift and carry loads correctly - don't strain your back
d. Unload correctly
Training Tip: Demonstrate - or have an employee demonstrate - proper techniques for lifting, carrying, and unloading a heavy object.
8. Tool and Machinery Hazards
a. Before using a took, think about what could go wrong and how to prevent an accident
b. Wear PPE to protect against flying particles, punctures, burns, shock
c. Keep machine guards in place
d. Follow lockout/tagout procedures
e. Use common sense to avoid unsafe acts with tools
f. Read and follow manufacturer's instructions for using tools
g. If you need help using a tool safely, ask a supervisor
Training Tip: Ask employees to name examples of unsafe acts with tools (throwing hand tools, pointing power fasteners at others using the wrong tool for the job, etc.).
9. Confined Space Hazards
a. You need special training, authorization, and a permit to work in a confined space
b. Always check the permit to see what hazards might be present in the confined space:
i. Hazardous vapors or gases
ii. Lack of oxygen
iii. Fire or explosion
iv. Extreme heat
v. Entrapment, engulfment or suffocation
c. Always follow rules for working in confined spaces
d. Never attempt a confined space rescue unless you are trained and authorized to do so
Training Tip: Emphasize that any work involving confined spaces requires special training, that there are special procedures that must be followed, and that they will be given the necessary training before being asked to work in a confined space.
10. Office Hazards
a. Offices can have hazards, to - such as:
i. Improper lifting
ii. Running carelessly or fooling around
iii. Climbing on chairs to reach high places
iv. File cabinets that could tip over if overloaded
v. Smoking in unauthorized areas
vi. Slipping and tripping hazards - wet floors, power cords, etc.
vii. Office machine or cleaning chemicals
viii. Overloaded or damaged electrical equipment
Training Tip: Remind the group to continuously ask themselves "What could go wrong here?" when they're on the job.
11. Take Hazard Identification Seriously
a. Take the time to look for hazards - and to do something about them
b. Pay attention to your work all the time
c. Don't take shortcuts - even if you're very familiar with your job
d. Never drink or use drugs during or before work
e. If you're not sure about a possible hazard, ask a supervisor.
Training Tip: Remind the group that there's no such thing as a dumb question - except the one that isn't asked.
12. Conclusion: Being a Smart Hazard Detective
a. Identifying safety hazards is part of your job
b. Be alert for what could go wrong at all times
c. Know the equipment, substances , and conditions of your job, and how to protect yourself and others
d. Be especially careful with new tasks, substances, or equipment
e. Keep your own work area neat and organized - and safe!
f. Report all unsafe conditions immediately
F. Wrap Up: