Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Ossian Muscad
Imagine you’re a crew tasked with repairing a broken power line. High voltage lines pose a serious electrical hazard, but there could be other dangers lurking as well. Uneven terrain, falling debris, and even extreme weather conditions could all lead to accidents. This is precisely where a Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA) comes in. FLHAs are proactive safety measures that are conducted before any work begins. They function as a vital first step, taking a systematic approach to identify potential hazards in the specific work environment.
By anticipating these dangers beforehand, FLHAs allow crews to develop plans to mitigate risks and ensure everyone returns home safely. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to Field Level Hazard Assessments.
What is a Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA)?
A Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA) is a systematic process conducted in the actual work area to identify potential hazards before work begins. It empowers workers directly involved in the task to recognize and assess risks specific to their environment and activities. FLHAs are a crucial component of proactive safety measures, aiming to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
FLHA empowers workers to reduce health and safety risks in the workplace by identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective measures to mitigate these risks. FLHAs should be conducted regularly, providing a proactive approach to safety that can prevent accidents and injuries.
When to Conduct a FLHA?
FLHAs are not a one-time event. To ensure continuous safety, they should be conducted before any work begins, especially at the start of a new project or shift. However, their importance extends beyond just kicking things off. An FLHA is equally essential whenever there’s a change in the work environment or procedures. Here are some specific situations that call for an FLHA:
- Before starting work on a new project, whether a new building site, a fresh renovation project, or even a new landscaping job, all present unique hazards. An FLHA helps identify potential dangers like uneven terrain, trip hazards from materials, or exposure to harsh weather elements.
- Before performing maintenance on machinery: Even familiar equipment can pose unforeseen risks. An FLHA before machinery maintenance allows technicians to pinpoint electrical hazards, identify malfunctioning parts, or assess risks associated with working with moving components.
- Before working in confined spaces: Confined spaces inherently present a multitude of dangers, from suffocation to oxygen depletion. An FLHA in such situations is crucial to identify these risks and implement appropriate safety measures like ventilation systems and proper entry procedures.
- Whenever new workers are assigned to a task, they may become unfamiliar with the task or environment, which can significantly increase the risk of accidents. An FLHA with new workers allows them to learn about potential hazards, understand safe work practices, and ask questions before starting the job.
- When weather conditions change: Sudden weather changes, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme temperatures, can introduce new hazards to outdoor workplaces. An FLHA helps identify these changing risks and adjust procedures accordingly, ensuring worker safety during the workday.
How to Conduct Field-Level Hazard Assessment?
Field Level Hazard Assessments are conducted at the beginning and duration of every shift. This process is a collaborative effort involving the workers directly performing the task. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved:
- Identify the Work Task: Clearly define the specific job that will be undertaken. Is it machinery maintenance, a construction activity, or a scientific experiment? Understanding the task allows for a targeted assessment of potential hazards.
- Identify the People Involved: List all workers who will be participating in the task. This helps ensure everyone involved is aware of the hazards and understands their roles in mitigating risks.
- Inspect the Work Area: This is a crucial on-site inspection to identify potential hazards. Look for physical dangers like uneven surfaces, trip hazards, falling objects, and electrical hazards. Don’t forget ergonomic hazards related to posture or repetitive motions. Additionally, consider biological hazards (e.g., working with plants or animals), chemical hazards (e.g., cleaning products), and even psychological hazards (e.g., working in stressful conditions).
- Assess the Risk: For each identified hazard, evaluate the likelihood of it occurring and the potential severity of the injury or illness it could cause. A minor slip hazard might have a high likelihood but a low severity, while electrical hazards might have a lower likelihood but a much higher potential for serious injury.
- Develop Controls: The goal is to eliminate hazards if possible. If elimination isn’t feasible, implement controls to minimize risk. Controls can be categorized as Engineering Controls: Physical modifications to the work environment or equipment to reduce hazards (e.g., installing guardrails, using proper ventilation systems); Administrative Controls, Changes to work procedures to minimize risk (e.g., job rotation to reduce ergonomic stress, establishing permit systems for high-risk tasks); and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with protective gear like gloves, goggles, or respirators to minimize injury if a hazard occurs.
- Document the FLHA: Record all findings from the assessment. This includes a list of identified hazards, the assessed risks, and the chosen control measures. A well-documented FLHA serves as a reference point for future work and ensures clear communication about potential risks.
Benefits of FLHAs
FLHAs are a powerful tool for promoting safety and well-being in the workplace. By taking a proactive approach to hazard identification and control, FLHAs offer a multitude of advantages for both workers and businesses. With that said, here are some key benefits of implementing FLHAs in your workplace:
Preventing Accidents, Injuries, and Fatalities
The primary benefit of FLHAs lies in their proactive approach to safety. By systematically identifying hazards before work begins, FLHAs allow for the implementation of control measures that significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Imagine a construction crew conducting an FLHA before working on a roof. The assessment might reveal the hazard of falling, and mitigation strategies like installing safety harnesses could be put in place, potentially preventing serious injuries.
Fostering a Culture of Safety
FLHAs go beyond just identifying hazards. They actively involve workers in the safety process, encouraging them to be more aware of their surroundings and take an active role in mitigating risks. By participating in FLHAs, workers gain a deeper understanding of potential dangers and how to control them. This fosters a culture of safety where everyone takes responsibility for their well-being and that of their colleagues.
Reduced Workplace Costs
Accidents and injuries can be costly for businesses. The cost of medical treatment, lost productivity, and potential lawsuits can significantly impact a company’s bottom line. FLHAs play a crucial role in reducing these costs by preventing accidents from happening in the first place. By investing time and resources into proactive safety measures like FLHAs, businesses can ensure a safer work environment and avoid the financial burden associated with workplace accidents.
Improved Worker Morale and Productivity
A safe work environment where hazards are identified and addressed leads to higher worker morale. When their safety is prioritized, workers feel valued and appreciated. This sense of security translates into increased focus, motivation, and, ultimately, improved productivity.
Enhanced Regulatory Compliance
Many safety regulations mandate the identification and mitigation of workplace hazards. FLHAs provide a documented record of your commitment to safety compliance. This can streamline inspections from regulatory bodies and reduce the risk of fines or penalties.
4 Crucial Field Level Hazard Assessment Situations
A worksite is a dynamic environment, and even the most meticulous plans can encounter unforeseen circumstances. FLHAs are not static documents; they should be revisited and updated whenever there are significant changes that could introduce new hazards. Here are four crucial situations that necessitate revisiting and potentially revising your FLHA:
Significant Changes in Tasks
Imagine a crew tasked with installing drywall in a new building. Their FLHA might account for hazards like lifting heavy materials and using power tools. However, if they discover unexpected asbestos during demolition work, this introduces a completely new biological hazard. The FLHA would need to be updated to include proper procedures for handling asbestos, including the use of respirators and specialized disposal methods. Similarly, sudden changes in work plans, like needing to work at night due to delays, might necessitate additional assessments for visibility hazards and the need for proper lighting.
New Workers Come On Site
Unfamiliarity with the work environment and procedures is a major risk factor for accidents. Whenever new workers are assigned to a task, it’s crucial to revisit the FLHA. This allows for a targeted briefing on the identified hazards, safe work practices, and the proper use of any personal protective equipment (PPE). By integrating new workers into the FLHA process, you ensure they are aware of potential dangers and can perform their jobs safely.
New Tasks Are Given During the Shift
The nature of work can sometimes be unpredictable. New tasks that arise unexpectedly during a shift require a quick risk assessment. Building upon the existing FLHA, workers should consider the potential hazards associated with the new task and determine if any additional control measures are necessary. For instance, a plumbing crew might encounter an unforeseen leak requiring them to work in a confined space. The FLHA would need to be expanded to address the hazards of confined space entry, such as ensuring proper ventilation and having a designated safety observer present.
Sudden Changes in Job Site Conditions
Worksites are susceptible to external factors. A sudden downpour can create slippery surfaces, strong winds might introduce falling object hazards from scaffolding, and extreme temperatures can lead to heat stress or hypothermia. When faced with sudden changes in weather conditions, the FLHA should be reviewed to identify any new risks and implement appropriate controls. This might involve postponing work until conditions improve, providing workers with proper weather protection gear, or adjusting work procedures to minimize exposure to the elements.
By vigilantly monitoring these four crucial situations and adapting FLHAs accordingly, workplaces can ensure a proactive approach to safety, even when faced with the unexpected.
How to Fill Out an FLHA Form?
While specific FLHA forms may vary depending on the workplace, the core process generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Gather Information
Before filling out the form, gather all the necessary information about the task at hand. This includes:
- Specific task description: Clearly define the job that will be undertaken. Is it electrical maintenance, replacing a ceiling tile, or conducting a scientific experiment?
- Workers involved: List all personnel who will be participating in the task.
- Available resources: Identify any equipment, materials, or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that will be used during the task.
Step 2: Identify and Document Hazards
This is the heart of the FLHA process. Here’s how to approach it:
- Review the Work Area: Before starting work, conduct a thorough inspection of the work area to identify potential hazards. Look for physical dangers like uneven surfaces, trip hazards, falling objects, and electrical hazards. Don’t forget ergonomic hazards related to posture or repetitive motions. Additionally, consider biological hazards (e.g., working with plants or animals), chemical hazards (e.g., cleaning products), and even psychological hazards (e.g., working in stressful conditions).
- Take Photos (Optional): While not always mandatory, capturing photos of identified hazards can be a valuable addition to the FLHA form. Visual documentation provides a clear reference point and can be particularly helpful for complex hazards or those that are not easily described in words.
Step 3: Assess and Rank Risks
For each identified hazard, evaluate the following:
- Likelihood: How probable is it that the hazard will occur? Consider factors like frequency of exposure, environmental conditions, and past incidents. Rank the likelihood from “High” to “Low.”
- Severity: If the hazard were to occur, what potential injury or illness could it cause? Rank the severity from “High” (e.g., amputation, serious injury) to “Low” (e.g., minor cut, scrape). By considering both likelihood and severity, you can prioritize the most significant risks.
Step 4: Develop Controls
The goal is to eliminate hazards if possible. If elimination isn’t feasible, implement controls to minimize risk. These controls can be categorized as:
- Engineering Controls: Physical modifications to the work environment or equipment to reduce hazards (e.g., installing guardrails using proper ventilation systems).
- Administrative Controls: Changes to work procedures to minimize risk (e.g., job rotation to reduce ergonomic stress, establishing permit systems for high-risk tasks).
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with protective gear like gloves, goggles, or respirators to minimize injury if a hazard occurs.
Step 5: Document Your Findings
Fill out the FLHA form, ensuring all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly. This typically includes:
- Task description
- Workers involved
- Date and Time of assessment
- Identified hazards (with photos if applicable)
- Likelihood and severity ranking for each hazard
- Chosen control measures for each hazard
Step 6: Obtain Signatures
Once completed, the FLHA form should be signed by all workers involved in the task. This signifies that everyone is aware of the identified hazards, understands the control measures, and agrees to work safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is responsible for conducting FLHAs?
While the specific responsibility for conducting FLHAs may vary depending on the workplace, it typically falls on one or a combination of the following:
- Supervisors: They have a responsibility to ensure a safe work environment for their crew. They may facilitate the FLHA process, guiding workers through the steps and ensuring all hazards are identified and addressed.
- Safety Officers: These specialists play a crucial role in promoting workplace safety. They may guide you in conducting FLHAs, reviewing completed forms, and offering recommendations for improvement.
- Workers: The workers directly involved in the task have a firsthand understanding of the job and potential hazards. Their active participation in the FLHA process is essential for identifying all risks and developing effective control measures.
Q2: What’s the role of workers in the FLHA process?
Workers play a vital role in the FLHA process. Here’s how:
- Identifying Hazards: Due to their firsthand experience with the task, workers can often identify hazards that others might miss. Their input is crucial for a comprehensive assessment.
- Understanding Risks: By participating in the FLHA process, workers gain a deeper understanding of the potential dangers associated with their jobs and how those risks can be mitigated.
- Implementing Controls: Workers play a key role in implementing the control measures identified during the FLHA. This could involve using PPE properly, following safe work procedures, and communicating any concerns about hazards.
Q3: What are the most common hazards that are identified in FLHAs?
FLHAs can identify a wide range of hazards, but some of the most common include:
- Physical Hazards: These include trip hazards (uneven surfaces, cables), slip hazards (wet floors), falling objects (from heights, during construction), electrical hazards (exposed wiring, faulty equipment), and ergonomic hazards (awkward postures, repetitive motions).
- Chemical Hazards: Exposure to cleaning products, solvents, paints, and other chemicals can pose health risks.
- Biological Hazards: Working with plants, animals, or environments with the potential for mold or bacteria growth can introduce biological hazards.
- Psychological Hazards: Stressful work environments, fatigue, and time pressure can all be psychological hazards.
Q4: How often should FLHAs be conducted?
FLHAs should be conducted before any work begins, especially at the start of a new project or shift. However, their importance extends beyond just kicking things off. An FLHA is equally important whenever there’s a change in the work environment or procedures, or new workers are assigned to a task.
Q5: What happens if a new hazard is identified during the workday?
If a new hazard that wasn’t included in the original FLHA is identified during the workday, work should stop immediately. The FLHA should be updated to reflect the new hazard, and appropriate control measures should be implemented before work can resume.
Q6: Is there a template available for FLHA forms?
Yes, many resources are available online and from safety organizations that provide FLHA form templates. These templates can serve as a starting point, but it’s essential to customize the form to fit the specific needs of your workplace and the task at hand.
Conduct a Field Level Hazard Assessment with DATAMYTE
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform with low-code capabilities. Our Digital Clipboard, in particular, is a low-code workflow automation software that features a workflow, checklist, and smart form builder. This tool lets you conduct efficient and mobile-friendly FLHAs by providing a digital platform to complete digital FLHA forms, capture photo evidence, collaborate in real time, and automate workflows.
DATAMYTE also lets you conduct layered process audits (LPA), a high-frequency evaluation of critical process steps, focusing on areas with the highest failure risk or non-compliance. Conducting LPA with DATAMYTE lets you effectively identify and correct potential defects before they become major quality issues.
With DATAMYTE, you have an all-in-one solution for enhancing your FLHA program and promoting a culture of safety in the workplace. Our platform streamlines the FLHA process, improves communication and collaboration, and ultimately contributes to a safer work environment for everyone. Book a demo now to learn more.
Conclusion
FLHAs are a cornerstone of workplace safety. By proactively identifying and mitigating hazards before work begins, FLHAs empower workers and employers alike. This collaborative approach fosters a culture of safety awareness, reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, and contributes to a more productive and positive work environment. Remember, safety is not a destination; it’s a continuous journey. Integrating FLHAs into your daily routine is a significant step on the path to a safer and healthier workplace for everyone.
