Published December 9th, 2020
What is a Field Level Hazard Assessment?
A field level hazard assessment (FLHA) is used by construction workers to control hazards as soon as they are identified in designated work areas. It empowers frontline workers to minimize health and safety risks at the onset through the “stop and think” process. FLHAs help develop the habit of task-hazard-control association and prevent deadly accidents such as the fatal four.
This article features:
- how to perform a field level hazard assessment;
- 4 crucial situations often missed in a field level hazard assessment;
- how to conduct a field level hazard assessment using iAuditor; and
- digital FLHA templates you can download, customize, and use.
How to Perform a Field Level Hazard Assessment
A field level hazard assessment should be performed at the beginning of each shift and during task execution. The FLHA process can be expressed in the diagram below:
Field Level Hazard Assessment | Stop and Think Principle
Look around & identify hazards
Before commencing tasks, a construction worker should be aware of the people, equipment and materials present in the work area. Stop and think, “What might cause an incident?” Take note of anything that could potentially harm people or damage property.
Example: electrical hazard – loose and uncovered extension cords
Control hazards
Upon hazard identification, a construction worker can already apply control measures to reduce health and safety risks. Stop and think, “What can I do to prevent it?” Working through a hierarchy of controls can be an effective method in determining how to control hazards.
Example: physically removed the hazard – organized and secured extension cords to the floor
Resume work
Once the hazards are controlled, the construction worker can begin accomplishing tasks. A field level hazard assessment is a continuous process that prompts frontline workers to stop and think, especially during task execution.
4 Crucial FLHA Situations
In a job site, even the slightest changes in work plans should be updated in real-time because unexpected situations may arise when overlooked. While carrying out tasks, construction workers should stop, think, then update the FLHA when:
- There are significant changes in tasks (e.g. sudden change of work plans, unexpected characteristics of a task such as new configuration of equipment, etc.)
- New tasks are given during the shift
- New workers come on site
- Job site conditions change (e.g. weather, availability of materials, etc.)
How to Conduct a Field Level Hazard Assessment with iAuditor Templates & Tools
Construction workers and managers can take advantage of mobile technology such as iAuditor to streamline field level hazard assessments. iAuditor by SafetyCulture is an inspection and corrective action solution and can be utilized by construction workers to:
- Perform effective field level hazard assessments on a mobile device
- Capture and store photos of work area hazards for review and feedback
- Add and update unlimited hazards and controls in real-time
- Automatically share ongoing and completed FLHAs with team manager and co-workers
Top 3 Field Level Hazard Assessment Templates
1. Field Level Hazard Assessment Template
A field level hazard assessment template aims to help frontline workers identify and immediately control hazards in designated work areas. This assessment should be performed by construction workers before starting work and during task execution. Use this digital FLHA template to easily perform the following:
- Briefly discuss the tasks to be done during the shift
- Specify and take photos of the hazards in your work area
- Indicate how hazards are controlled
- Update the tasks, hazards, and controls in real-time
- Validate the assessment with digital signatures
2. Field Level Risk Assessment Template
A field level risk assessment (FLRA) is used by construction workers for early detection and control of health and safety risks at a job site. The frontline worker can assess the likelihood and consequences of a hazard and provide a risk rating. This template includes a pre-work checklist to ensure that baseline responsibilities are fulfilled before commencing tasks. Assign real-time actions to co-workers or the construction manager with the use of this digital FLRA template.
3. Field Level Hazard Assessment Checklist Template
A field level hazard assessment checklist is used to identify hazards, assess risks, and control exposure to them before the tasks for the day begin. Evaluate your work area and tasks, specify the PPE requirement, identify the potential hazards, and conduct the risk assessment based on the matrix included in this template. The identified controls may require additional precautions to be taken or that certain tasks be prohibited until a safer means to complete them is made available.
