LO 6-7 Outline and describe the legal responsibilities of employees and employers relating to safe working practices

1.6. Reducing the Risk of Hazards

Reducing the Risk of Hazards
When dealing with hazards in the workplace, it is important to follow these simple steps:

1. Remove the hazard, if possible. For example, an extension cord can cause a tripping hazard; remove it immediately.
2. When possible, isolate people from contact with the hazard. For example, a chassis or engine dynamometer to test rebuilt engines is noisy and a hearing hazard. Installing the dynamometer in a soundproof room protects the hearing of nonessential personnel.
3. Prevent the hazard from causing harm by taking steps or installing barriers to mitigate the danger. For example, a lubrication pit is a fall hazard. Safety cones, nets, and rope barriers around the hazard are physical barriers to prevent anyone from straying into the pit area.
4. Use appropriate PPE for anyone who could potentially be harmed by the hazard that exists. The following are some examples of this rule’s application when a worker is grinding on a truck frame preparing for a welding job: Wear protective clothing, including heavy leather gloves, safety glasses, and a full-face shield. There should be a shield set up to stop the flying particles from the grinding from traveling into nearby work areas.
5. Ensure that there is no chance that flying sparks could ignite any flammable material.
6. Verify that fire suppression equipment is close at hand. The worker should also inform anyone in the vicinity of the nature of the work being performed to enable them to take appropriate safety steps, such as wearing additional PPE or removing themselves from the hazardous area.

To identify workplace hazards, follow the steps in Skill Drill 6-2.