3. Methods and Processes to Identify Workplace Critical Areas

Methods and processes to identify workplace critical areas are explained in terms of the consequences to health and safety production.

When you work in a place every day it is easy to overlook some critical areas where there are hazards, so here are some methods and tips to help you identify workplace critical areas.

Methods and processes include:

• Walking around the workplace and looking at what could reasonably be expected to cause harm and affect health and safety and productivity.
• Consult with fellow employees and their representatives on areas they also think are critical in terms of health and safety. They may have noticed things that are not immediately obvious to you.
• Visit the internet. There are publications giving practical guidance on where hazards occur and how to control them. There is much information here on the hazards that might affect your business.
• If you are a member of a trade association, contact them. Many produce very helpful guidance on critical areas.
• Check manufacturers’ instructions or data sheets for chemicals and equipment as they can be very helpful in spelling out the hazards and putting them in their true perspective.
• Have a look back at your accident and ill-health records – these often help to identify the less obvious hazards. Overall, the goal is to find and record possible critical areas that may be present in your workplace.
• As mentioned, it may help to work as a team and include both people familiar with the work area, as well as people who are not - this way you have both the "experienced" and "fresh" eye to conduct the inspection.