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Hazard Assessment/Determination

To prevent or reduce the risk of workplace injury and/or exposures, a hazard assessment or determination must be performed based upon job title, function, and the procedures performed. The entire relationship between the worker, the work, the environment where work is being performed, and the tools being used should be taken into consideration. In 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stated that to identify and assess hazards, employers and workers should:

  • Collect and review information about workplace hazards.
  • Inspect the workplace for and identify new or recurring hazards.
  • Characterize the nature of identified hazards and determine strategies for prevention, mitigation, and control.

Once hazards and the types of incidents that could result from worker exposure to hazards are identified, prevention and control strategies can be developed.

Snapshot Example of Exposure/Hazard Determination

Dental Assistant:      

Procedure /Task

Procedure /Task

Procedure /Task

Identified Hazard

Identified Hazard

Identified Hazard

Exposure/Injury

Exposure/Injury

Exposure/Injury

Prevention/Control

Prevention/Control

Prevention/Control

Assisting in general dentistry

Procedure /Task

Assisting in general dentistry

Chemical, Biological, Inhalation

Identified Hazard

Chemical, Biological, Inhalation

Skin, Eye, Mucous Membrane, Respiratory

Exposure/Injury

Skin, Eye, Mucous Membrane, Respiratory

Eye protection, full face shield, surgical mask, respirator, exam gloves, fluid resistant gown

Prevention/Control

Eye protection, full face shield, surgical mask, respirator, exam gloves, fluid resistant gown

Nursing Assistant:

Procedure /Task

Procedure /Task

Procedure /Task

Identified Hazard

Identified Hazard

Identified Hazard

Exposure/Injury

Exposure/Injury

Exposure/Injury

Prevention/Control

Prevention/Control

Prevention/Control

Lifting patient to/from chair

Procedure /Task

Lifting patient to/from chair

Enviromechanical

Identified Hazard

Enviromechanical

Musculoskeletal

Exposure/Injury

Musculoskeletal

Patient lifts

Prevention/Control

Patient lifts