How to identify hazards - Assessing and controlling risk, part 1

In this first step, identify all hazards on your site that could harm human health or the environment. Think about how your business activities may be hazardous.
For more information go to: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/risk

Transcript:
Assessing and Controlling Risk, a guide for business. Video one: Identify hazards.
It’s the responsibility of businesses to manage and prevent unnecessary risk.
Assessing and controlling risks helps businesses prevent harm and meet legal obligations.
Risk assessment can mean simply adopting four steps. Identify hazards, assess risks, implement controls, check controls.
Let’s discuss the first of these steps, how to identify hazards.
A hazard is anything that could cause harm to human health or the environment. Chemical spills, stormwater contamination, dust, odour, and hazardous wastes, are common examples of hazards. Ask yourself how your business activities may be hazardous. For example, material storage and handling, and detergent use are common activities which can present hazards.
Once you know what to look for, simply walking around the workplace is a good way of identifying any hazards. Your checklist shouldn’t just include equipment and buildings, but also internal work systems and standard operating procedures.
Houses, waterways or parks near your business could be harmed. Consider how pollution travels through creeks or stormwater drains.
The following platforms and tools can help employees and stakeholders work together to identify hazards. Workshops and meetings, safety data sheets (formerly called material safety data sheets) and industry associations.