Step 1: Identify the hazards

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm, such as chemicals, electricity, gas, working from heights, unsafe equipment, hazardous substances, or poor working conditions.

• Walk around the workplace to see what could cause harm - concentrate especially on significant hazards that could result in serious harm or affect several people. Consider taking another person with you to ensure you identify all hazards.
• Ask your employees or their representatives for their views as they might notice things that you might not.
• Check any available product information, such as manufacturers' instructions or data sheets that can help you find hazards.
• Review past accident and near-miss reports and sickness absence records to help you spot patterns or recurring problems.
• Consider hazards that could cause long-term effects, such as high noise levels.