Hazard Identification Checklists

Use this basic hazard identification template to perform general hazard assessments. Safety officers can also use this template during walkthroughs to easily document potential hazards in the facility. Maximize the use of this template by following the points below:

1. Identify potential hazards, provide a description, and determine the risk rating depending on the hazard’s severity
2. Take or attach a photo of the hazard (if possible)
3. Add notes or comments where necessary
4. Assign corrective actions to appropriate personnel, set priority level, and indicate the due date
5. Provide additional comments and sign off with a digital signature

Hazards associated with job processes and workflows need to be examined and reviewed to determine if existing control measures are effective and sufficient. Start by listing a process and identify the category of hazard (physical, chemical, biological, etc.). Evaluate the severity, frequency, probability of loss, and significance of hazards observed based on the rating guide provided. Site some recommendations for safety planning and purposes.

This OSHA hazard assessment checklist template is based on the regulatory hazard assessment of OSHA. This checklist contains 43 sections covering a wide range of hazard identification procedures in the workplace. Modify this template and delete sections that may not be relevant or suited to your workplace’s needs. Use SafetyCulture to convert your paper checklists into digital mobile templates.

The construction industry accounts for numerous fatalities caused by the “Fatal Four” – falls, being struck by objects, electrocution, and being caught between objects. These hazards were responsible for more than half of construction workers’ deaths. Use this template before commencing work on a construction project. Determine the hazards that may arise from the work activity to be performed. Use SafetyCulture to record significant data on detected risks like the presence of electrical tools, an ongoing excavation activity, the use of scaffolds and ladders, and the handling of deadly substances and materials.

The main segments of the retail industry include retailing food, personal and household goods, and motor vehicle services. Activities in the industry often include hazards caused by improper loading and unloading of materials, mishandling of chemicals, and unsafe working environment that may cause slips, trips and falls. Use this checklist to ensure safety during operation. Carry out risk assessments to determine if there are sensitive risk groups in the retail sector like night workers, young persons and pregnant women and if they receive sufficient protection. Next, check if bullying and violence prevention policy is implemented and followed. Evaluate if the staff are well educated on the safety rules when working with big equipment, extreme temperatures, electricity, and chemicals. Lastly, provide recommendations to improve safety.

The work processes in a manufacturing company largely involve the use of machinery, transportation, and labor force. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of the environment, equipment, and employees’ compliance with safety rules must be conducted to identify workplace hazards. This CCOHS hazard assessment checklist containing 22 sections was converted using SafetyCulture and can be used to check the overall safety of a manufacturing site. Conduct safety inspections by using your mobile devices on-site and send reports to your managers.

Before performing a hazard assessment, it is best to gather your team to talk about existing issues and problems in the workplace. Use this toolbox talk template prior to a job or shift commencing for about 5 to 10 minutes. All staff and managers working on the shift discuss the key hazards and remediation plans associated with the work to be performed. Use SafetyCulture to document the group discussion and prompt all workers to sign off.