Inspecting the Site for Hazards
It is important that you examine the entire work area. This will include not only the area at height but also anywhere above or below it. Hazards you would look for include:
| Surfaces | Is it unstable, slippery, busy, structurally unsound or sloping? |
| Structures | Are they unstable or incomplete? |
| The ground | Is it uneven or unstable? |
| The work area in general | Is it crowded or cluttered? Is there plant, equipment, tools, rubbish, workers, or other obstructions in the area? Are there hazardous materials, or other hazards specific to the work site or tasks being completed in the area? Is there a chance of falling objects? Is there adequate lighting? |
| Access and egress from the work location | Is there safe, adequate access to and from the work area? |
| Unprotected edges | Are there unprotected edges of floors, working platforms, walkways, walls, or roofs? |
| Environment | Is bad weather predicted (e.g. storms and rain)? Are there excessive temperatures (hot and cold) to consider? Are there UV hazards? Are there atmospheric hazards such as dust, vapours, moisture, or noise? |
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You also need to be aware of manual handling hazards such as:
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View the Safe operating Procedures (SOP) and the completed Risk Assessment in the Hazard Register (Hazards) and forms given below
- Inappropriate carrying of materials on ladders.
- Excessive bending or twisting in different work situations.
- Incorrect use of ladders.
- Clothing ‘catching’.
- Loss of hand grip.
- Moving from one surface to another.
Sometimes it may be the amount of time a worker is exposed to a particular situation that creates a hazard.
This may depend on the physical condition, experience or training of the worker and may create more risk to one person than another.
For instance, long-term exposure to sunlight or heat may cause a worker to become dizzy. Part of your site inspection will include the identification and management of potential risks and hazards. You will also need to report them to the appropriate personnel, such as your supervisor, worksite manager or OHS/WHS officer.
