Step 1: Identify Exposures & Risks

Evaluating and identifying potential hazards on the job is a critical first step eliminating risks and potential injuries and in developing a comprehensive safety program. Before hazards can be controlled, they need to be identified. Conducting a worksite evaluation or Jobsite Hazard Analysis (JHA) to assess and document any physical and health hazards, whether potential or actual, can:

• Raise safety and health awareness and the need to comply with OSHA regulations.

• Help identify safety training needs.

• Help determine how to eliminate or control hazards before they cause injuries.

• Once the hazards are known, employers must decide how to eliminate or control them.