Overview:

This article reviews the key elements of an effective employee hazard survey. It will provide an overview by first defining a hazard, then identifying what constitutes hazards in the workplace. It will also describe some of the factors to be included in a workplace hazard survey.

What is a hazard?

A hazard is a "condition or changing set of circumstances that presents a potential for injury, illness, property damage, liability, net income and human resource loss exposures."¹

There are many different sources for hazards in the workplace. Two key fields to examine are safety-related hazards and environmental-related hazards. Each source of hazard should have written guidelines that are required by Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation, National Fire Protection Association, American National Standards Institute or others.

Safety hazards are typically related to tools, equipment and personal protective equipment in the work environment that could potentially injure workers. These safety hazard sources are not all-inclusive and must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

There are many different types of tools in the work environment that should be inspected to detect any possible defect that may cause an injury, such as hand tools and electric tools.

Hand tools must be in good working condition. Many times, hand tools are used for situations that are inappropriate for their intended and designed purpose, such as a slotted screwdriver being used as a chisel. Also, hand tools are usually not cleaned and maintained as intended by the manufacturer. Hand tools need to be cleaned after each use and before being stored away properly. A hand tool should be in good, clean condition when it is retrieved for use - not dirty, greasy or damaged.

Some typical hand tool defects to look for during a hazard survey inspection are:

• Slotted screw driver - broken or damaged handle, shaft, tip


• Phillips screw driver - broken or damaged handle, shaft, knurled tip


• Claw hammer - broken or damaged handle, shaft, claw


• Chisel - mushroomed head, dull cutting edge


• Vise - broken jaw, loose anchor bolts


• Cresent wrench - bent handle, broken adjustable jaw


• Flat shovel - cracked handle, bent blade

Electric tools also must be in good working condition. Some electric tools are manufactured with double-insulated motors. They will not have a ground prong and are the preferred type of tool. Operators of electric tools should be instructed on the proper application and selection of the tool for the specific function that it must perform. The wrong tool in the right situation can produce devastating results to the operator.

Some typical electric tool defects to look for during a hazard survey inspection are:

• All electric tools - inspect cords for cuts, burns, flat spots, missing prongs and insulation pulled away from the plug;


• All extension cords - inspect cords for cuts, flat spots, continuity, missing prongs, correct size American Wire Gauge wire and insulation pulled away from the plug;


• Table saw - safety guard in place, anti-kickback device intact, hand tool to push work through saw;


• Drill motor - cracked or defective housing, defective chuck, broken trigger;


• Cordless screw driver - cracked or defective housing, plugged air vents;


• Drill press - cracked base, missing handle, missing belt cover;


• Bench grinder - housing cover(s) missing, safety shield missing, tool rest improperly positioned, worn-out wire wheel, worn-out stone.

• Dock locks
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• Overhead cranes
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• Forklifts
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• Manlifts
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• Specialty laboratory equipment
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• Specialty medical equipment
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• Welding and cutting outfits
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• Heavy equipment, such as motor graders, tractors, hydraulic excavators, dump trucks, loaders, pavers
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• Fire suppression equipment
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• Safety glasses, goggles, shields


• Safety boots, safety footwear


• Hard hats


• Respirators


• Hearing protection


• Gloves


• Clothing, aprons, high visibility vests

Illumination can be measured using a hand-held light meter. Work areas should have different types of illumination sources, with different degrees of brightness or foot-candles as the typical unit of measurement. A standard office environment in the interior of the building will have from 12 foot-candles to 60 foot-candles of illumination. An office located near a window may have 160 foot-candles to 250 foot-candles of illumination. Each work location must be evaluated based on the work activities being performed.

Noise exposure can be measured using a hand-held noise dosimeter. Work areas should be limited to a maximum worker exposure of 90 decibels (db) over an 8-hour time weighted average. Higher exposures can be experienced as long as the duration of exposure is reduced. Hearing protection or distance can be used to effectively reduce worker exposure. A typical office environment can experience a 72db environment. As an example, a paper shredder is 78db. By using the proper administrative or engineering controls or PPE, these methods will ensure that workers are not overly exposed.

Airborne toxic substances are derived from dust, fumes, gases, mists, vapors, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, low-high oxygen and many other toxic substances. Some of these substances can be measured and compared to safe exposure limits as guided by OSHA, EPA or the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Many of these substances cannot be easily detected and measured without using sophisticated equipment operated by highly trained technicians. If airborne toxic substances are suspected in the workplace, have the air tested.

Temperature exposure can be from cold or heat, depending on the work process and the environment in which the worker is performing the operation. Working outside during the winter can expose workers to frost bite or hypothermia. Working in a hot environment may expose workers to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke

Who should perform a hazard survey?

A hazard survey should be guided by the facility safety committee in conjunction with the facility safety coordinator(s). Inspections can be scheduled on a daily, weekly or monthly basis as follows:

• Daily hazard surveys are normally completed by the operator or shift leader;


• Weekly hazard surveys are normally completed by the manager;


• Monthly hazard surveys are normally completed by the area safety inspector or safety coordinator;


• Quarterly hazard surveys are typically completed by the facility safety committee.

Where do we start looking for hazards?

The facility safety committee should direct where the hazard survey is to be performed and should determine the scope of the survey. This can be as narrow as one department or as broad as an entire facility. Keep in mind that the objective of performing a hazard survey is to recognize hazards. Then, as an extension of the survey, select preventative actions, assign responsibility for implementing preventative actions and provide a means for measuring the effectiveness of the corrective actions.

The hazard survey report

The facility safety coordinator, in conjunction with facility safety committee, should direct the format and items to be included on the hazard survey report. The report must be accurate and clearly written; otherwise, the report will be viewed as nothing more than a sightseeing report.

The hazards must be accurately described and the exact location noted. Photographs assist in documenting the hazard. The specific corrective action should be listed next with a designated time frame for correction. Time frames for correction can vary greatly depending on the severity and gravity of the identified hazard, ranging from months to immediate work stoppage. The hazard survey report should be reviewed by each hazard survey team member for clarity and accuracy before distribution to department heads and line managers.

The hazard survey report can be effectively used as a tool to assist in complying with EO 52 (99) requirements:

• "Involve agency employees in identifying workplace hazards and establishing goals to eliminate or reduce them;


• Develop, maintain, and monitor strategies to minimize the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses;


• Establish goals to reduce serious occupational injuries and illnesses and to enhance workplace safety."²

Footnotes

¹ Brauer, Roger L. (1990). Safety and Health for Engineers. New York: Van Norstrand Reinhold.

² Office of the Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia. Executive Order 52(99)

Reference

Accident Prevention Manual for Business and Industry, Administration & Programs (10^th ed.). (1992) United States of America: National Safety Council