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What harm do hazards cause?
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Once a hazard has been identified, an employer is required, in consultation with their workers, to determine how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how serious the injury or illness may be. Review any available information about the hazard, such as:
- information supplied to you by the manufacturer of the product or equipment (handbooks/operating manuals)
- material safety data sheets (MSDS) prepared by the supplier of a hazardous substance
- experience from the workplace with the hazard or similar hazards, such as workers’ experience or injury data
- control measures outlined in Chapters 4–8 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001
- WorkCover guidance material to help you assess potential risks for particular hazards, processes and work tasks
- codes of practice to give you direction and guidance on the identification and control of specific hazards
- Australian Standards that set out specifications for a range of equipment, products and materials to ensure that they are safe and of a good quality.
If a hazard presents an immediate and serious risk, it may be necessary to take interim steps to control the risk. For instance, stopping work in a potentially contaminated atmosphere until the exact level of exposure to contaminants and appropriate controls can be identified.
 Code of Practice: Risk Assessment |
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