OSHA Workplace Labeling
Identifying potential and existing workplace hazards requires active and continual efforts to analyze working conditions and work processes. Hazards are often difficult to recognize, so approaching the analysis from different perspectives may be helpful.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, it is the general duty of an employer to identify worksite hazards which are recognized in their industry. An effective safety and health program goes beyond this basic step, by continually working to identify industry hazards previously unrecognized. Competent advice and assistance should be sought when there is a lack of needed expertise when assessing for existing and potential hazards. Free assistance may be available in some States through State operated consultation programs, or through OSHA's On-site Consultation Program.
Conducting a �comprehensive baseline survey� of the worksite identifies existing and potential hazards that can be more easily recognized. This process provides information needed for creating a routine inspection list for your safety maintenance program. Then, during an �intensive survey� more attention can be given to identifying existing and potential unrecognized hazards. �Change analysis� identifies the potential introduction of new hazards associated with the introduction of new facilities, processes, materials or equipment. Some specific OSHA standards require inspection of specific equipment, conditions, or activities as a precaution prior to use or operation, however, in an effective safety and health program, inspection practices are more broadly applied.
�Job hazard analysis� helps to identify existing and potential hazards and determine protective safety measures. When hazards have been identified and hazard controls established, inspections should be conducted on a regular basis so that new or previously missed hazards and hazard control failures are identified. Analyzing injury and illness trends over a period of time will allow patterns to emerge, so that common causes can be identified and prevented. Accidents and incidents expose hazards, inadequate equipment, or problematic work practices. Providing for investigation of accidents and 'near misses' helps to identify causes and means for preventing repeat occurrences.
An effective safety and health program should be a system where employees know that management wants to be made aware of safety issues, where employees are encouraged to report safety and health concerns without fear, and where concerns are addressed appropriately in a timely fashion. Employee involvement in decisions that affect their health and safety results in more effective protection of workers and better management decisions. There should be clearly communicated rules and procedures for every employee, from top management to the hourly employee, regarding the prevention and control of hazards, as well as safe and healthful work practices.