What is the first step in conducting a hazard assessment?

The first step in conducting a hazard assessment is often to utilize Job Safety Analysis (JSA) questions. These questions help to systematically identify potential hazards associated with specific job tasks or processes. By focusing on the JSA, safety professionals can gather detailed information about how each task is carried out, the environment in which it occurs, and the potential risks involved. This structured approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the job, allowing for a thorough identification of hazards before moving on to addressing or mitigating those risks.

Utilizing JSA questions lays the groundwork for the entire hazard assessment process. It ensures that all relevant aspects of a job are considered, which is critical for developing effective safety measures. After establishing the baseline of potential hazards through this method, one can then proceed with further steps like reviewing past incidents, which may inform the assessment but is not foundational. In contrast, obtaining approval or filling out control worksheets are later steps that depend on the identification of hazards to ensure that appropriate measures are taken.