How do I "identify potential hazards"?

Once the basic steps have been recorded, potential hazards must be identified at each step. Based on observations of the job, knowledge of accident and injury causes, and personal experience, list the things that could go wrong at each step.
A second observation of the job being performed may be needed. Since the basic steps have already been recorded, more attention can now be focused on each potential hazards. At this stage, no attempt is made to solve any problems which may have been detected.
To help identify potential hazards, the job analyst may use questions such as these ( this is not a complete list):

• Can any body part get caught in or between objects?
• Do tools, machines, or equipment present any hazards?
• Can the worker make harmful contact with moving objects?
• Can the worker slip, trip, or fall?
• Can the worker suffer strain from lifting, pushing, or pulling?
• Is the worker exposed to extreme heat or cold?
• Is excessive noise or vibration a problem?
• Is there a danger from falling objects?
• Is lighting a problem?
• Can weather conditions affect safety?
• Is harmful radiation a possibility?
• Can contact be made with hot, toxic, or caustic substances?
• Are there dusts, fumes, mists, or vapours in the air?

Potential hazards are listed in the middle column of the worksheet, numbered to match the corresponding job step. For example:

Sequence of Events	Potential Accidents or Hazards	Preventive Measures
Park vehicle	a) Vehicle too close to passing traffic b) Vehicle on uneven, soft ground c) Vehicle may roll.
Remove spare and tool kit	a) Strain from lifting spare.
Pry off hub cap and loosen lug bolts (nuts).	a) Hub cap may pop off and hit you b) Lug wrench may slip
And so on.....	a) ...

Again, all participants should jointly review this part of the analysis.