Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control
The three-step cycle
Safety management follows a repeating loop: identify the hazard (anything with potential to cause harm), assess the risk (the likelihood and consequence of that harm occurring), and control the risk. Controls must then be reviewed and monitored, because sites change daily.
Hazard identification methods
Candidates should recognise tools such as workplace inspections, safety walks, task analysis, incident and near-miss records, worker consultation, and checklists. Hazards fall into categories: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial and electrical. A hazard is the source of harm; a risk is the chance of harm arising from it. Questions frequently swap these two words to test you.
Risk assessment
A risk matrix rates likelihood against consequence to give a priority (low, medium, high, extreme). The assessment should consider who is exposed, how often, and for how long, and should record the outcome. For most construction tasks a documented Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is required for high-risk construction work - it identifies hazards, rates risk and states controls.
Hierarchy of controls
Apply controls in order: eliminate the hazard, substitute a safer option, isolate people from it, use engineering controls, then administrative controls (procedures, training, signage), and finally PPE. Lower-order controls rely on human behaviour and are less reliable. A trap: choosing PPE or a toolbox talk when elimination or engineering is feasible.
Worked example
A worker must cut masonry and silica dust is generated. Elimination (prefabrication off site) is best; if not possible, substitute a lower-silica product, then use engineering controls such as water suppression and on-tool extraction, then administrative controls such as exclusion zones, and finally respiratory protection. Selecting only a mask is a wrong answer because it sits at the bottom of the hierarchy.
Rule of thumb
Ask: can I remove the hazard entirely? If yes, no lower control is acceptable as the primary answer.