Hazard Recognition

In this module, you will be introduced to Operational Risk Management and Occupational Health and Safety
Management Systems. Upon completion of this module you will:

List types of operational risk,

List the components of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS), and

Explain why the continuous improvement cycle is important to your OHSMS.

All companies are in business with a view to long term success as might be measured by profitability or growth
appropriate for their scope of operations. The business' operations have associated risks. Risk endangers the
company operations. This broader category of risk is often referred to as "Operational Risk".
Operational risk refers to the risk that any error or stoppage in operations could lead to economic loss or reduced
credibility. Operational risk could be thought of as any unexpected loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal
processes, people and systems or from external events, including legal risk.

Operational Risk Management

Operational Risk Management (ORM) is a decision-making tool to systematically identify operational risks and
benefits and determine the best course of action for any given situation. A common model of operational risk
management is shown here.

An operational risk is a risk arising from the execution of a company's business functions. It is a very
broad concept that includes; fraud risks, legal risks, physical, environmental risks and of course
occupational health and safety risk.
Another common model that illustrates all of the operational risks that business managers must be
aware of is shown here.

Operational risks such as "bodily harm" and "property damage" are commonly considered to be
occupational health and safety risk. A process is needed to manage these risks. This process is most
commonly known as an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS).

The need for occupational health and safety risk management processes is common to every organization. The
objective of risk management is to ensure that significant risks are identified and that appropriate and timely action is
taken to minimize the risk as much as is reasonably achievable. The four main elements of risk management are:

Risk identification and measurement,

Risk analysis,

Risk assessment, and

Risk control.

An occupational health and safety management system usually has four key elements and these may be described
as shown here.
Often they are further expanded into what might be most commonly called an Occupational Health and Safety
(OH&S) program. This could include these six elements:

Management Involvement and Commitment

Hazard Identification and Risk Control

Rules and Work Procedures

Training

Communication

Incident and Accident Reporting and Investigation

Or be expanded and represented as follows:

Company policy and management commitment

Worker qualifications, orientation and training

Hazard identification/risk assessment

Hazard control

Ongoing inspections

Emergency response

Incident investigation

Training and competency

Program administration

System monitoring and continuous improvement

Regardless of how the occupational health and safety management system is described, occupational health and
safety management remains a key component of any fully developed risk management system.

A key part of any OH&S program is a process to measure its effectiveness and ensure that there are opportunities for
continuous improvement. This continuous improvement cycle can be shown in a couple of different ways. Click on the
blue button under the image below to view both of the flowcharts for the continuous improvement cycle.

Every day it is a key part of operational risk management and occupational health and safety risk management that
we work towards continuing to improve the occupational health and safety management system in place to protect
workers at work.
Continuous improvement takes many forms including: worker training and re-training, hazard assessment, workplace
inspection, critical incident investigation. Through continuous improvement we seek to better integrate these
elements together.

Operational risk can be thought of as any unexpected loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes,
people and systems or from external events, including legal risk. Operational Risk Management is a decision-making
tool you can use to systematically identify operational risks and benefits in order to determine the best course of
action.
All organizations should have an occupational health and safety risk management processes to ensure that
significant risks are identified and appropriate and timely action taken to minimize those risks as much as is
reasonably achievable.

An important part of any risk management system is a process to measure its effectiveness and ensure that there is
continuous improvement. We must continually work towards improvement of the occupational health and safety
management system that is in place to protect workers, supervisors, and the public.
In this course we will be focusing on hazard recigntion procedures, which is an important part of the occupational
health and safety management system used to manage occupational health and safety risk.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

Describe the legislative framework for hazard recognition,

List methods of hazard recognition,

Describe 5 different types of hazard in the workplace, and

List controls that can be used to prevent or reduce the risk of hazards.

A hazard is any situation, condition, or thing that may be dangerous to the safety or health of those in the workplace.
A hazard has the potential to cause an injury, illness, or loss. Due to the risks that hazards present to personnel, the
public, and the environment, it is important to ensure that hazards are eliminated or controlled.

Section 7 in Part 2 of the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Code requires employers to assess a work
site and identify existing or potential hazards before any work can begin. Employers are required to prepare a report
which provides the results of the assessment and the methods that will be used to control or eliminate the hazards.
Section 8 requires employers to involve workers in assessing, controlling, and eliminating hazards.
Section 9 requires employers to eliminate hazards whenever it is reasonable to do so. If elimination is not practical,
hazards must be controlled.
Although Farmers are currently exempt from the OHS Act in Alberta due to the Farm and Ranch Exemption
Regulation, Alberta Regulation 271-1995, it is important to be aware of and recognize the hazards commonly found in
agricultural work environments.

A hazard is an unsafe condition or practice that could contribute to an injury or illness. A risk is the
degree of danger presented by a hazard. It is the likelihood that actual harm will occur and how
severe the harm will be.

Unsafe actions are activities in the work environment that could contribute to an incident.
An unsafe condition is an aspect of the work environment that could contribute to an incident.
You cannot ignore hazards when they are identified because you will be liable. When identifying
hazards, keep three principles in mind. These principles are common sense, due diligence, and
industry knowledge.

Hazard Identification Methods

When trying to identify hazards take into consideration the worker, the work environment, the
equipment, and the materials that are used. Are there are pieces of equipment that have failed? Are
there any materials or equipment that are not being used safely?

When identifying hazards, the risk is considered to be the potential degree of harm expressed in terms of probability
and consequence. Risk is measured in severity, probability, and frequency where these factors may be expressed as
high (serious), moderate, or low (minor).
Severity is the extent of the possible outcome of a hazard. It is the seriousness of an injury or illness on scale
beginning with no injury and going to incidents involving a fatality. Severity can be measured in levels where 1 is the
lowest and 5 is the highest:

1.

No Injury

2.

First Aid Required

3.

Fractures and Medical Aid Required

4.

Permanent Disability or Amputation

5.

Fatality

The frequency of a hazard is how often exposure to the hazard occurs ranging from never, to rarely, to often. This is
also measured in a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest:
1.

Never

2.

Monthly

3.

A Few Times a Week

4.

Some Workers Per Shift

5.

Multiple Workers Every Shift

Probability is used to describe the likelihood of an accident occuring. Probability includes events that are very
unlikely to occur, are possible, and likely to occur. The scale for probability is ranked from 1 to 5, where 1 is very
unlikely and 5 is considered to be certain:

1.

Very Unlikely or Remote

2.

Unlikely

3.

Possible

4.

Significant Probability

5.

Certainly Will Occur

The hierarchy of controls begin with Engineering Control, then Administrative Controls, and finally Personal Protective
Equipment(PPE). Ideally, you should try to eliminate or reduce the hazard at the source. If that is not possible, you
should follow a path from the source and try to eliminate or reduce the hazard as close to its source as possible.

Types of Controls

Engineering Controls focus on isolating, removing, or reducing the hazard at the source or along its path. These
types of controls are built into the process. They use substitution, isolation, ventilation, and equipment modifications.
Engineering controls will either remove the hazard, substitute it for something less hazardous, or enclose the hazard.

Some examples of engineered controls include fume hoods, saw guards, isolation or containment of hazardous
substances, lockout, substitution with less hazardous chemicals, and equipment warning or monitoring systems.
Administrative Controls manage processes to control the hazard or reduce employee exposure. These controls
focus on the human factor as the source of error. Some examples of administrative controls include rotating job tasks,
assigning shorter time periods to allow employees time away from the hazard, more training, better maintenance of
environment and equipment, better housekeeping, and purchasing controls. Changing work schedules is a good way
to implement an administrative control. Work schedule changes can include longer rest breaks, hiring more workers,
giving employees exercise breaks, and rotating worker tasks.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be provided to control the hazard at the point of exposure by the
worker. These controls also focus on the human factor as the source of error. PPE should always be the last resort
when dealing with hazards. Some examples of PPE includes gloves, respirators, and protective clothing.

Machinery: Machinery causes the most deadly injuries. The most hazardous machinery related tasks are:

- Transportation of family/workers (rollover, run over after falling may occur with tractors, trucks, all
terrain vehicles, other farm equipment),
- Starting equipment/fueling up (bystander/ operator run over, explosion),
- Using PTO (Power Take Off) driven implements (entanglement),
- Using farm equipment on public roadways (rollover, collision),
- Using machinery around power lines (electrocution), and
- Using loaders (electrocution, entanglement, crushing, falls).

Noise: continued or prolonged exposure to high decibels can cause loss of hearing.

Confined Spaces/Water Storage: manure pits, grain bins, grain bags, septic tanks and other confined
spaces are commonplace in agriculture and can cause asphyxiation and poisoning. Dugouts, wells and
cisterns are very hazardous.

Chemical and Biological Hazards: pesticides, chemical fertilizers, mouldy hay, hantavirus, etc.

Working at Heights: on grain bins, high lofts in barns, etc.

Working with Animals: aggravates/irritable animals, proper animal handling (crushing and striking risks).

Lifting, Moving and Repositioning: Inappropriate lifting and moving of heavy objects or loads causes back
injuries. Ergonomic injuries arise from poor posture/positioning and repetitive motion.

Extreme Weather Conditions and Terrain: these make injury more likely. Extreme temperatures can
cause immediate and/or long term health problems.

Working Alone or While Isolated: these conditions may increase the risk of harm to the worker. Employers
need to identify the risks to the workers in these situations and do what they can to eliminate or reduce the
hazard.

Zoonotic diseases: Leptospirosis, rabies, brucellosis, salmonellosis and ringworm.

In this module it was explained that:

Part 2 of the Alberta OH&S Code provides the legislative framework for hazard recognition,

Unsafe acts are activities and unsafe conditions are related to the environment,

Risk is described in terms of severity, frequency, and probability, and

Engineering Controls are the preferred method for dealing with hazards, followed by
Administrative Controls, and then PPE.

In the pages that follow in the course you will be introduced to 5 different types of hazard. Click on
any of the hazards in the image below to view its definition.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

List the different types of physical hazards, and

Define each type of hazard.

Some physical hazards include:

Ergonomic,

Slips and trips,

Fire,

Electrical,

Noise,

Ionizing radiation,

Poor lighting,

Temperatures,

Pressure, and

Vibration.

Some chemical hazards include:

Chemicals,

Dusts,

Gases,

Fumes,

Fibers,

Pesticides,

Fertilizers,

Mists, and

Vapors.

Some biological hazards include:

Viruses,

Fungi,

Bacteria,

Molds,

Rabies,

Brucellosis,

Salmonellosis,

Ringworm,

Leptospirosis,

Blood and body fluids, and

Sewage.

Some safety hazards include:

Working with compressed gases and equipment,

Improperly used, or not using, Personal Protective Equipment,

Welding,

Motor vehicle operation,

Operating machinery,

Energized electrical equipment presents an electrocution hazard, and

Working at elevation.

Some psychological hazards include:

Workplace Violence,

Working Conditions,

Stress, and

Fatigue

Once you have identified the type(s) of hazard present in the workplace you should select the Engineering Controls,
Administrative Controls, and PPE that will be used to reduce the risk. You can begin by asking yourself if the
measure(s) you are considering will control the hazard. You can also ask yourself the following questions:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

List the different types of physical hazards, and

Define each type of hazard.

The content in this module was reproduced in part from Handling Farm Animals Safely with permission of
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (formerly Farm Safety Association), Mississauga, Canada, November 3,
2011.

Regardless of the types of animals you may raise on your farm, complacency and the feeling of being safe in their
presence may leave you off guard. Injuries usually occur when the victim does not expect it and all animals should be
considered unpredictable.
A lack of knowledge of animal behavior could put a handler into a dangerous situation. Thousands of animal related
injuries occur every year, some resulting in a fatality. It is important to recognize the hazards of working around farm
animals, particularly with new employees and family members.
Some of the most common injuries include being stepped on by large animals, being knocked down, kicked, thrown
off while riding, pinned down between the animal and a hard surface, and animal bites.

Animals experience hunger, thirst, fear, sickness, injury and strong maternal instincts. They also
develop behavior patterns such as kicking or biting. The handler should be aware of these situations
and take the necessary safety precautions.

Yelling should be kept to a minimum when working with livestock to avoid agitation.
Animals respond to the way they are treated and draw upon past experiences when reacting to a
situation. For example, animals that are chased, slapped, kicked, hit or frightened when young will
naturally fear being approached.
Colorblindness
Cows, pigs and sheep are generally colorblind, and with the exception of sheep, have poor depth
perception. This results in extreme sensitivity to contrasts, which may cause the animal to balk at
shadows or rapid changes from light to dark. Sheep have difficulty picking out small details, such as
the open space created by a partially opened gate or door.
Moving or flapping objects can also disrupt handling. A cloth or coat swinging in the wind or turning
fan blades can cause animals to balk. Movement at the end of a chute can cause them to refuse to
be herded.
Kicking
Horses and Mules commonly kick towards their hindquarters, while cows kick forward and out to the
sides. Cows often have a tendency to kick toward a side with pain from inflammation or injuries.
Maternal Instincts
Animals with young will exhibit a maternal instinct, which causes them to be more defensive and

more difficult to handle. When possible, let the young stay as close to the parent as possible when
handling.
Territorial
Most animals have a strong territorial instinct and develop a very distinctive, comfortable attachment
to areas such as pastures and buildings, water troughs, worn paths and feed bunks. Forcible
removal from these areas can cause animals to react unexpectedly.
Considering these animal traits, it is easy to understand why animals often hesitate when going
through unfamiliar gates, barn doors, and handling and loading chutes. Similar problems occur when
animals are moved away from feed, separated from the herd or approached by an unfamiliar person.

The proper approach to a large animal is critical to working with them safely. Most large animals can see at wide
angles around them, but there is a blind spot directly behind their hindquarters beyond which they cannot see.
Any movement in this "blind spot" will make the animal uneasy and nervous. The safest approach is to "announce"
your approach through a touch to their front or side.

Most large animals will kick in an arch beginning toward the front and moving toward the back. Avoid this kicking
region when approaching the animal.

A frightened cow or horse will plow right over you. It is safer to use proper handling facilities made specifically for
separating large animals. Most animals will be more cooperative in moving through a chute that has minimal
distractions.
When you are inside a handling facility such as a milking lane, always leave yourself a way to get out if it becomes
necessary. Try to avoid entering a small area enclosed with large animals.

Most animals respond best to calm and deliberate movement and responses from a handler. Avoid loud noises and
be patient. Never prod an animal when it has no place to go. Move slowly and deliberately around livestock, with the
safest approach being to announce your approach through a touch to the animal's front side.
Respect rather than fear livestock. Animals will defend their territory and should be worked around keeping in mind
that there is always the potential for harm.
Most animals are highly protective of their young. Be especially careful around newborn animals. Avoid getting
between a cow and her new calf. Carry out all new born calf treatment in an area isolated from the cow. Extreme
caution should be practiced when handling male animals.
Always provide an escape route, especially when working in close quarters, with sick, or injured animals, or under
adverse conditions such as severe storms. Try to avoid entering a small-enclosed area with large animals unless it is
equipped with a mangate that you can easily get to.
Exercise extra care around strange animals and use extreme care if strangers must be around your animals. Maintain
equipment and facilities in good repair and exercise "good housekeeping practices".
Cattle and horses cannot see directly behind them, (blind spot) therefore sudden movements from behind will spook
them, which may result in a "flight or fight" response.
Give dairy cattle a moment to adapt to the new environment before beginning your work.
Always work cattle from the hip, not behind, and keep out of sight unless needed.
Always approach a horse from the left, and from the front if possible. Speak softly when approaching, if behind, to let
it know of your presence. When you are within reach, touch the horse first by gently stroking the shoulder or rump
and move calmly towards the head.
The following is an image showing how to approach a cow.

In this module it was explained:

Animals are unpredictable and must be handled with care,

Cows, horses, and mules may kick,

Most large animals have a blind spot directly behind their hindquarters, and

The manner in which you approach and handle animals is important.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

Describe how a hazard evaluation is done,

Describe the process for carrying out a hazard evaluation,

List the key elements of job hazard analysis and hazard assessments, and

Describe how to evaluate the results of a hazard evaluation and assessment.

The analysis and assessment of hazards should use a systematic method to review hazards in a task, location, and
job for the purpose of identifying and improving controls. Severity, probability, and frequency are used to determine
risk.
The analysis and assessment of a hazard documents the hazards that may exist, and determines the risk(s) involved.
It breaks down the hazard into component parts for future reference and identifies the hazard in terms of its location,
task, and person or job title.
The analysis and assessment is used to list controls. In addition to this it helps to describe the knowledge expected of
employees for a particular job and identifies maintenance requirements.

Carrying Out an Evaluation

An analysis and assessment needs to be conducted every time:

A new process is introduced,

A change has occurred to the current work environment,

At predetermined regular intervals, and

Before construction of a new work site.

One way to carry out an analysis and assessment is to use a checklist. Ensure that the checklist is thorough,
representative, and applies to the type of work site and work being done.
There are some pitfalls to analysis and assessments. Some of these pitfalls include:

Inconsistent data input,

Varying determinations of severity, probability, and frequency,

The lack of adequate education and training, and

Insufficient motivation.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

A job safety analysis is a system used to identify hazards and assign controls to a specific job. When conducting a job
safety analysis you should break the job into steps, identify the hazards associated with each step, and then
determine control methods.

Hazard Assessment
Hazard assessments determine the risk levels in order to prioritize corrective action and select controls. When
conducting a hazard assessment, you should:

Determine the scope,

Determine by position, task, and location,

Determine who performs the assessments,

Observe workers,

Break jobs down into tasks,

Identify potential unsafe acts and conditions,

Determine severity, probability, and frequency of each hazard,

Determine the risk,

Identify the correct controls, and

Consider improvements to those controls.

Ensure that you are familiar with processes involved when you are conducting an assessment. It is a good idea to
invest time into customizing a tool to suit your needs. A checklist is a good way to keep your assessment organized
and easy to reference in the future. Remember to be consistent and be systematic, this helps streamline the process.
First, list tasks, then hazards, then suggest controls.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

Describe the importance and role that hazard recognition plays in promoting a safe workplace.