HAZARD, TYPES OF HAZARD AND HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (cont'd)

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There are five basic methods you can use to identify workplace hazards
before an accident occurs:

• informal observations, and formal observation programs;
• comprehensive company-wide surveys;
• Individual interviews;
• Walk-around inspections; and
• Documentation review.

1.             Informal observation and formal observation program

An informal observation process is nothing more than being watchful for hazards and unsafe behaviors throughout the work shift. No special procedure is involved. All employees should be expected to look over their work areas once in a while.

Observation is important because it can be a great tool to effectively identify behaviors that account for 95 percent of all workplace injuries. The walkaround inspection, as a method for identifying hazards, may not be as effective as observation in identifying unsafe behaviors.

2.    Comprehensive company-wide surveys

Comprehensive surveys ideally should be performed by people who can bring to your worksite fresh vision and extensive knowledge of safety, health, or industrial hygiene. Because there are few professional consultants equipped to do comprehensive surveys in all three areas, the best approach is to use a team consisting of outside specialists

3.    Individual interviews

When conducting the interview keep the following tips in mind:

• Put the person at ease.
• Keep the purpose of the interview in mind: It's to get the employee's help in determining the types of hazards that exist in his or her work area. Go to the work area to conduct the interview. Just because you are familiar with the location or the employee's job, don’t assume that things are always the same.
• Explain the purpose and your role. Tell the employee exactly why you are conducting the interview to reduce any initial reluctance to participate.
• Stress that the information given is important. It may help eliminate hazards that have the potential to kill, injure or produce illness. Information given may also help to make the work procedure more efficient too.
• Be friendly, understanding, and open minded. Try to keep the interview informal. Your approach is important. Make sure they sense that you care about their safety.
• Be calm and unhurried. If you are agitated, or in a hurry to get the interview over, you'll be sending a negative message that the employee will see.
• Let the individual talk. Don't interrupt while they are talking. It's easy to think you have all the information. Many important facts may not be uncovered if you cut them off.
• Ask background information, name, job, etc . . . This just helps to smoothly transition into the actual interview. Small talk...then get to business.
• The key initial statement. Ask the witness to tell you about the hazards they are aware of. Don't ask them if they know of any hazards: they could easily just say "no."
• Don't ask leading questions. They are not on trial.
• Ask follow-up questions. This will help to clarify particular areas or get specifics.
• Do not put the person on the defensive. If there are hazards present, don't in any way question the employee in a manner that might accuse or blame them of wrong doing.
• Try to avoid yes and no answer questions. Ask open-ended questions. One effective question is..."Tell me about the procedures for..."
• Actively listen. Repeat the information given. Rephrase. Communicate to understand.
• Take notes. Notes should be taken very carefully, and as casually as possible. Let the individual read them if desired.
• Use a tape recorder. But always get permission from the employee first. Offer to give them a copy of the tape if they hesitate.
• Thank the employee. Conclude the interview with a statement of appreciation for their contribution.
• Be available. Ask them to contact you if they think of anything else.
• Provide feedback. If possible, advise the person the outcome of the interview.

4. Work Around inspection
Comprehensive surveys are not the same as interviews or inspections. An interview is a verbal exchange conducted one-on-one, preferably in private, and has the potential to gather more information. An inspection is often done by employees at the workplace who walk around observing the workplace and asking questions in public.

The term "inspection" means a general walk-around examination of every part of the worksite to locate conditions that do not comply with safety standards. This includes routine industrial hygiene monitoring and sampling.

What should be inspected
A methodical inspection will follow a checklist based on the inventory of hazards and the preventive actions and controls designed to reduce or eliminate worker exposure. Regular site inspections should be designed to check each one of those controls to make sure that hazards are contained.

Who should inspect
1.         Supervisors (managers)
2.         Employees
3.         Safety committee

5.        Writing reports
A written record will help ensure:

• Assignment of responsibility for hazard correction.
• Tracking of correction to completion.
• Identification of problems in the controls system when the same types of hazards keep appearing even after correction is verified.
• Identification of problems in the accountability system.
• Identification of hazards for which no prevention or control has been planned.

Of course, having such written records will be most helpful if someone knowledgeable reads them in the safety and health program. This person then can provide top managers with summaries of problems.

Controlling Hazard 1. Elimination – removing the source of hazard.
2. Substitution – change the source of hazard
3. Engineering – redesigning the source of the hazard
4. Administrative - reducing the exposure level of the hazard
5. PPE- control of exposure of hazard