Control the hazards

Eliminate the hazard completely

Once you have identified the hazards, you need to control them. Ideally, you will be able to eliminate the hazard completely. Examples include removing trip hazards on a floor or safely disposing of unnecessary chemicals.

Reduce the risk of hazards as much as you can

If it is not practical or possible to get rid of the hazard completely, you can reduce the risk as much as you can by adopting the following control measures, in order of effectiveness:

1. Substitute with something safer

Examples include:

• using smaller packages or boxes to reduce the weight of items that have to be manually handled
• using a less toxic chemical
• using scaffolding instead of ladders to reduce the risk of falls

• Isolate the hazard

Examples include:

• using soundproof barriers to reduce noise levels
• using an enclosed spray booth for spray painting
• using remote control systems to operate machinery
• storing chemicals in a fume cabinet

• Modify tools and equipment

Examples include:

• using trolleys or hoists to move heavy loads
• placing guards around moving parts of machinery
• installing safety switches
• Use administrative measures

Examples include:

• using permit-to-work systems for hazardous work
• providing training and supervision
• adjusting work schedules to limit exposure time through job rotation

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect your workers’ bodies from hazards. Examples include:

• Gloves
• hard hats
• hearing and eye protection
• fall-arrest harnesses
• high-visibility clothing

Please note: PPE is the least reliable form of protection. In most cases, it should only be used as a last resort and in the short term until you have organized a better method of control. If you require your workers to use PPE, ensure that:

• the right type of PPE is selected for the job
• the PPE fits properly and is comfortable under working conditions
• workers are trained in the need for PPE and its use and maintenance
• the PPE is stored in a clean and fully operational condition

Be careful of residual risk

Does putting any of these new safety and health measures in place create a different hazard? For example, if you install a ventilation system to resolve an air-quality issue, you will also need to ensure that the ventilation system does not create a noise problem.

How to get started

If identifying hazards is new to you or you are just starting a new business, you may feel overwhelmed as you begin to identify hazards. It can be hard to know where to start. You can learn how to prioritize your hazards and tackle them in a logical and appropriate way by working through our risk assessment process.

Involve your workers

In most cases, it is your workers who are at the greatest risk. By giving them the opportunity to help develop solutions and methods of control, you increase the likelihood that measures put in place will be followed.