Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
Identifying hazards before they cause harm is a fundamental responsibility on any construction site. This section covers the hierarchy of risk controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE), risk assessment matrices, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), hazard reporting procedures, and how to conduct a site-specific risk assessment.
Study Guide: Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
Review these sample questions before starting the practice test.
Q1: What is a hazard in a workplace context?
- A. An incident that has already occurred
- B. A type of safety sign
- C. Anything with the potential to cause harm β
- D. A construction permit
A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm, including substances, equipment, work methods, or conditions in the work environment.
Q2: What is the first step in the risk management process?
- A. Implement controls
- B. Monitor and review
- C. Consult insurance providers
- D. Identify hazards β
The risk management process starts with identifying hazards, then assessing the risk, implementing controls, and monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of controls.
Q3: What does the hierarchy of controls prioritise as the most effective control?
- A. PPE
- B. Elimination of the hazard β
- C. Administrative controls
- D. Substitution
The hierarchy of controls ranks elimination as the most effective measure, followed by substitution, isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE as the last resort.
Q4: A risk matrix typically assesses risk based on which two factors?
- A. Cost and time
- B. Temperature and humidity
- C. Likelihood and consequence (severity) β
- D. Number of workers and site size
A risk matrix evaluates risk by considering the likelihood (probability) of an event occurring and the consequence (severity) of the resulting harm.
Q5: What is a risk assessment?
- A. A financial audit of the project
- B. The process of evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm from identified hazards β
- C. A building inspection certificate
- D. A type of insurance policy
A risk assessment is the process of evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm arising from identified hazards and determining appropriate control measures.
Q6: Which of these is an example of an engineering control?
- A. Installing a guardrail around an open edge β
- B. Wearing safety glasses
- C. Displaying a warning sign
- D. Rotating workers between tasks
Engineering controls physically alter the workplace to reduce risk, such as installing guardrails, ventilation systems, or machine guards.
Q7: What type of hazard is excessive noise on a construction site?
- A. Chemical hazard
- B. Psychosocial hazard
- C. Biological hazard
- D. Physical hazard β
Excessive noise is a physical hazard. Physical hazards include noise, vibration, radiation, extreme temperatures, and ergonomic risks.
Q8: Which control measure is at the bottom of the hierarchy of controls?
- A. Elimination
- B. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) β
- C. Substitution
- D. Engineering controls
PPE is the least effective control measure in the hierarchy because it does not eliminate or reduce the hazard itself and relies on correct and consistent use by the worker.
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