In the dynamic and often hazardous world of construction, ensuring the safety of workers is paramount. A cornerstone of this safety effort is effectively identifying hazards and evaluating associated risks. This process helps prevent accidents and fosters a culture of safety, compliance with regulations, and improved project outcomes.
Understanding Hazard Identification
Hazard identification is the process of recognizing potential sources of harm or adverse health effects in a workplace. In construction, these hazards can range from physical dangers like falls and equipment malfunctions to chemical exposures and environmental factors such as extreme weather conditions. The primary goal is to anticipate and mitigate risks before they result in accidents or health issues.
Importance of Risk Evaluation
Once hazards are identified, the next step is to evaluate the risks they pose. Risk evaluation involves determining the likelihood of an incident occurring and the potential severity of its consequences. This assessment helps prioritize which hazards need immediate attention and the type of control measures required. Effective risk evaluation leads to informed decision-making and strategic implementation of safety protocols.
Why Identifying Hazards is Critical
Identifying hazards is not only a regulatory requirement, but a crucial step in accident prevention. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 20% of worker fatalities in 2020 occurred in construction. The leading causes, known as the “fatal four,” include falls, struck-by objects, electrocutions, and entrapment incidents. These hazards, if identified and managed proactively, could prevent most of these fatalities.
By applying the correct control measures, and following the hierarchy of controls, we will reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring. It should be noted that control measures go directly to trying to eliminate the hazard, not the risk.
Controls are intended to eliminate the hazard, not the risk.
Statistics from OSHA highlight the impact of effective hazard identification:
Falls account for 33.5% of construction fatalities.
Struck-by incidents cause 11.1% of deaths.
Electrocutions make up 8.5%.
Caught-in/between incidents contribute to 5.5%.
These figures underline the importance of systematic hazard identification and risk assessment to reduce deaths and injuries in the workplace.
According to the Single Digital Platform of the Peruvian State, notifications of occupational accidents, hazardous incidents, and occupational diseases as of March 2024 (SAT) were 2895 notifications of which 96.99% were non-fatal occupational accidents, 0.59% were fatal accidents, 2.04% were hazardous incidents and 0.38% were occupational diseases. Still to be updated and published as of June 2024 (the date of this article).
The figures for fatal accidents in 2024 compared to 2023 have decreased, it is good but not enough because there should not be fatal accidents resulting from work, it is the worst thing that can happen in an activity, this indicates that all the controls failed. We should also take into consideration and investigate the cause of the increase in fatal accidents at the end of the year as shown in Graph Nº3 How are the statistics of incidents in your company? Remember Bird's Pyramid. These alerts should not be ignored, the statistics alert us to take action.
Regulatory Frameworks and Standards
Compliance with safety regulations and standards is essential for hazard identification and risk management. Key regulatory bodies and standards include:
SUNAFIL (Superintendencia Nacional de Fiscalización Laboral en Perú): Supervises, promotes, and oversees compliance with social and labor law and occupational health and safety in Peru. In addition, it provides technical advice, and research and proposes the issuance of labor regulations.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): OSHA sets and enforces safety standards to ensure safe working conditions. OSHA’s regulations mandate hazard assessments, the implementation of control measures, and regular safety training.
ISO 45001: This international standard specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. ISO 45001 provides a framework to improve safety, reduce workplace risks, and enhance health and well-being. It emphasizes hazard identification and risk assessment as critical components of an effective OH&S management system.
Best Practices for Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation
Implementing a systematic approach to hazard identification and risk evaluation involves several key steps:
Conduct periodic inspections: Frequent facility inspections help identify new hazards and in-process changes. Use checklists to ensure thorough evaluations. Training is important for proper inspection and develop hazard identification skills.
Involve workers: This means, involving and engaging employees in the hazard identification process. Workers often have first-hand knowledge of potential hazards and can provide valuable input. Do not just do paperwork, procedures, and forms without involving workers in hazard identification; workers have valuable information to enrich the procedures.
Use technology: Use tools such as mobile apps and software to document hazards and track risk assessments. Technology can streamline the process and ensure timely updates.
Training and awareness: Ongoing training on hazard identification and risk assessment techniques is crucial. Training programs must be tailored to the specific needs of projects, offices, construction sites, and other productive sectors. At Safety Academy PG we encourage learning in occupational safety and health and this June 2024 we will launch our virtual classroom with the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Execution of Controls Course (IPERC). Request more information here.
Review and update: Periodically review and update hazard identification and risk assessments to reflect changes in the work environment, equipment, and regulations.
Conclusion
The construction industry is fraught with potential hazards that can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Effective hazard identification and risk evaluation are essential components of a robust safety management system. By adhering to OSHA regulations and ISO 45001 standards, construction companies can create safer workplaces, reduce the incidence of accidents, and promote a culture of proactive safety management. Investing in these safety practices not only protects workers but also enhances productivity and project success.
For more information on construction safety, risk management, and compliance resources, visit Safety Academy PG.
Effective hazard identification and risk assessment are essential components of a sound safety management system.
For more information on programs in construction safety, risk management, and compliance resources, visit Safety Academy PG at www.safetyacademypg.org, email info@safetyacademypg.org, or WhatsApp (+51) 987822559.
References:
Notifications of occupational accidents, hazardous incidents and occupational diseases (March 2024). Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion MTPE. Peru.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2023). Commonly Used Statistics.
ISO. (2018). ISO 45001:2018 - Occupational health and safety management systems - Requirements with guidance for use.
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