Monitoring Hazard Control Programmes

It is important to monitor both the hazard and the control method to make sure that the control is working effectively and that exposure to the hazard is reduced or eliminated.

Some tools include physical inspection, testing, exposure assessment, observations, injury and illness tracking, employee feedback/input, occupational health assessment and other methods.

Be sure to answer the following questions:

• Have the controls solved the problem?
• Is the risk posed by the original hazard contained?
• Have any new hazards been created?
• Are new hazards appropriately controlled?
• Are monitoring processes adequate?
• Have workers been adequately informed about the situation?
• Have orientation and training programmes been modified to deal with the new situation?
• Are any other measures required?
• Has the effectiveness of hazard controls been documented in your committee minutes?
• What else can be done?

A review will identify areas that may need more improvement or refinement. It is important to know if all workplace hazards are identified, assessed and appropriately controlled. Communication about the hazards, and how to control them, must be done for all employees of the organisation.