The Area Leader is responsible for ensuring hazards are identified and that controls are implemented and followed. The people working in the area may also identify hazards. When critical hazards are identified, or if recommended controls place a great burden on resources, a hazard assessment must be performed. Hazard assessments must be facilitated by trained individuals with the assistance of people in the area knowledgeable in the processes involved—Subject Matter Experts. Training in hazard assessments is arranged by Human Resources.

Hazard assessment is an integral part of the program. Controls recommended must take into consideration the expected efficacy, risk, and cost. Area Leaders are responsible for ensuring controls are implemented and adhered to. All people in the area are responsible, and encouraged, to comment on identified hazards and their controls.

In some cases the program will require a hazard assessment to be performed prior to introducing a new piece of equipment or performing new tasks. This will take place on an as-needed basis. The intent is to ensure that all areas and all jobs are evaluated, and hazards identified so the most appropriate controls can be implemented. Hazard identification, assessment, and control records should be reviewed for development and maintenance of the area-specific safety orientation.

The hazard assessment results are not typically reviewed with staff as a training tool. They are used by leaders to create the necessary controls which are reviewed with all who are exposed to the hazards and to identify those hazards to new employees. However, they will form part of the manual for review if desired. For training purposes, hazard identification and control are most relevant.

Hazard identification and assessment are critical aspects of Safety Management. Proactively performing assessments is commended, but they are also performed as hazards are identified through other means such as inspection reports, incident investigations, and other hazard reports.

Area Leader is the person most closely responsible for the day-to-day direction of work of the people in a given area. An Area Leader may be a manager, supervisor, dean, chair, or other person given this responsibility with enough authority to implement change and controls in his or her area of responsibility.

Hazard is a practice or condition with the potential to cause loss.

Hazard Identification is a written record of hazards identified in a work area. The record includes the type of controls used to address the hazard.

Hazard Assessment is a thorough examination of an operation (site, procedure, tools/equipment, etc.) to identify and prioritize the hazards associated with it, and to perform a problem-solving exercise to recommend most appropriate possible controls. Critical Hazard/Task is a task or hazard that has potential for serious loss, or high potential for moderate loss . It can also be extended to jobs or tasks that the hazards are not completely understood or known.

Loss is unacceptable waste of any resource (people, facilities, equipment, materials, environment, etc).

Hazard Control is a measure taken to eliminate or reduce the potential for loss.

Further information and training will follow on this aspect of the Program.