Module 2: Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
Objective:
To equip workers and supervisors with the knowledge and tools to identify, assess, and control construction hazards before work begins, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Detailed Explanation:
1. Common Construction Hazards (Falls, Electrocution, Struck-by, Caught-in/Between)
Construction sites present numerous hazards, with the "Fatal Four" (OSHA’s leading causes of fatalities) being the most critical:
Falls (Highest Risk – ~35% of construction deaths)
Causes: Unprotected edges, unstable ladders, improper scaffolding, lack of fall arrest systems.
Example: A worker stepping on an unsecured roof panel and falling 20 feet.
Prevention: Guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), and proper ladder use.
Electrocution (~8% of fatalities)
Causes: Contact with live wires, damaged extension cords, overhead power lines, improper grounding.
Example: A crane operator touching an overhead power line while lifting steel beams.
Prevention: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), maintaining safe distances from power lines, using insulated tools.
Struck-by Incidents (~15% of fatalities)
Causes: Falling tools/materials, vehicle collisions, swinging crane loads.
Example: A worker hit by a reversing dump truck in a blind spot.
Prevention: High-visibility vests, barricades, spotter use, and secured loads.
Caught-in/Between (~5% of fatalities)
Causes: Trench collapses, machinery entanglement, unguarded equipment.
Example: A worker buried in an unprotected trench.
Prevention: Trench boxes/shoring, machine guarding, and proper excavation procedures.
2. Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Risk Assessment Techniques
A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) breaks down tasks to identify hazards and implement controls.
Steps in a JSA:
Select the Job – High-risk tasks (e.g., roofing, welding, excavation).
Break Down the Job – Step-by-step sequence (e.g., setting up scaffolding).
Identify Hazards – What could go wrong at each step?
Determine Controls – How can risks be eliminated or reduced?
Implement & Review – Train workers and reassess periodically.
Risk Assessment Techniques:
Hierarchy of Controls (Most to least effective):
Elimination – Remove the hazard (e.g., prefabricate structures on the ground).
Substitution – Replace with a safer option (e.g., water-based paints instead of solvents).
Engineering Controls – Physical barriers (e.g., guardrails, ventilation systems).
Administrative Controls – Policies & training (e.g., rotation schedules, safety signs).
PPE – Last line of defense (e.g., hard hats, respirators).
3. Pre-Task Planning and Hazard Controls
Before starting work, teams should conduct pre-task planning to ensure hazards are addressed.
Key Elements:
Hazard Recognition – What dangers exist in the work area?
Control Measures – Which safety precautions are needed?
Emergency Preparedness – What to do if something goes wrong?
Worker Briefing – Ensure all crew members understand risks and protocols.
Example: Before digging a trench, workers should:
Check for underground utilities (Call 811).
Use trench boxes for deeper excavations.
Assign a spotter for heavy equipment.
4. Case Studies of Construction Incidents
Learning from past accidents reinforces the importance of hazard control.
Case Study 1: Trench Collapse (No Protective System)
Incident: A worker buried in a 10-foot-deep trench with no shoring.
Cause: Ignored OSHA trench safety standards.
Lesson: Always use trench shields or sloping techniques.
Case Study 2: Electrocution from Overhead Lines
Incident: A painter’s aluminum ladder contacted a power line.
Cause: No pre-work hazard assessment.
Lesson: Maintain a 10-foot distance from power lines and use fiberglass ladders.
Case Study 3: Struck-by Crane Load
Incident: A worker crushed by a swinging steel beam.
Cause: No barricades or spotter used.
Lesson: Establish exclusion zones and use spotters for crane operations.
Conclusion:
This module emphasizes proactive hazard identification, structured risk assessments (JSA), and effective control measures to prevent accidents. By applying these techniques, construction teams can anticipate dangers before they lead to injuries or fatalities.
Next Steps:
Hands-on JSA workshops
Site walkthroughs for real-world hazard spotting
Interactive discussions on past incidents
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