Safety & Compliance · SOP
Workplace Hazard Assessment For Each Position
Systematic procedure to identify, evaluate, and control hazards associated with every job position. This SOP ensures compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations and builds a proactive safety culture across all roles.
Estimated Time
30 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Regulation
WorkSafeBC OHS
Version
1.0
Purpose
The purpose of this SOP is to provide a standardized method for conducting a hazard assessment for every employee position in the facility. By systematically identifying potential hazards—physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial—and evaluating their associated risks, organizations can implement effective control measures. This process reduces injuries, ensures regulatory compliance (WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Part 3), and promotes continuous improvement in occupational health and safety.
Scope
This SOP applies to all permanent, temporary, contract, and new-hire positions within the facility. It covers routine operations, maintenance, shutdowns, and emergency response tasks. Hazard assessments must be performed or updated when:
- A new position is created
- A process, equipment, or material changes
- An incident or near-miss reveals an unrecognized hazard
- Annual review cycle arrives (maximum 12 months between assessments)
Safety Precautions
- Perform lockout/tagout on any equipment before conducting hands-on inspection or testing. Always verify zero-energy state before entering hazard zones.
- Wear required personal protective equipment appropriate to the assessment area: hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, and gloves. Ensure PPE is inspected, clean, and fits properly.
- For confined space entry assessments, follow the confined space entry permit program. Use continuous gas monitoring and have a standby attendant.
- Refer to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for any chemicals encountered. Use proper ventilation and chemical-resistant PPE if handling or sampling substances.
Required Tools & Materials
- Hazard Assessment Checklist (template from regulatory body or internal system)
- Risk Matrix poster or digital tool (5×5 matrix)
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) library
- Personal protective equipment as specified in section above
- Lockout/tagout kit
- Pen, clipboard, or tablet for documentation (preferably digital via SafeDesk)
- Camera or video for documenting hazard locations (optional but recommended)
Procedure: Step-by-Step
1
Identify all tasks. Inventory every routine, intermittent, and non-routine task the position performs. Include startup, normal operation, maintenance, shutdown, and emergency response. Document frequency, duration, physical area, and number of workers exposed.
2
Identify hazards per task. For each task, list all potential hazards: physical (e.g., pinch points, rotating equipment, heights, extreme temperatures), chemical (solvents, metalworking fluids, dust), biological (mold, bloodborne pathogens), ergonomic (repetitive motion, heavy lifting, awkward postures), electrical (live parts, arcs), and psychosocial (fatigue, violence). Use incident data, SDS, job safety analysis, and worker interviews.
3
Evaluate risk levels. Assess each hazard using a 5×5 risk matrix (likelihood: rare to almost certain; severity: negligible to catastrophic). Multiply to obtain risk score and classify as low (1–4), medium (5–9), high (10–15), or critical (16–25). Note existing controls and their effectiveness. Prioritize high and critical risks for immediate action.
4
Determine control measures. Apply the hierarchy of controls: elimination (remove hazard), substitution (safer alternative), engineering (guards, ventilation, machine redesign), administrative (training, job rotation, signage), and PPE (as last line of defense). For high/critical risks, require at least two independent layers of control. Ensure controls are feasible, cost-effective, and compliant with WorkSafeBC and CSA standards.
5
Implement controls. Install engineering modifications, update written SOPs, schedule training sessions, and issue required PPE. Assign responsibility and deadline for each control. Obtain written sign-off from affected employees and supervisor. Record implementation date and person responsible on the assessment form.
6
Verify effectiveness. Within 30 days of control implementation, conduct a verification check. Observe the task, inspect controls, and interview workers. Confirm that residual risk falls to an acceptable level (low or medium). If controls fail or new hazards emerge, repeat steps 4–6.
7
Document and review. Complete the Hazard Assessment form, signed by the assessor, supervisor, and joint health and safety committee representative. File in the facility’s compliance records. Schedule an annual review, or sooner if a change occurs. Use a digital system like SafeDesk to automate reminders, track completion, and maintain audit trails.