Hazard identification checklist
A hazard identification checklist prompts you to look systematically for the hazards that cause most construction injuries, rather than relying on memory. Work through each category, note the hazards present, and decide the controls using the hierarchy of controls.
Hazard identification checklist
Company: ____________
Site: ____________
Date: ____________
| Falls: edges, penetrations, ladders, roofs, voids above 2 m | N/A · Action | |
| Electrical: leads, energised services, overhead and underground | N/A · Action | |
| Plant and vehicles: mobile plant, reversing, blind spots | N/A · Action | |
| Excavation: trench collapse, underground services | N/A · Action | |
| Structural: collapse, temporary support, demolition | N/A · Action | |
| Manual handling: heavy, awkward, or repetitive lifting | N/A · Action | |
| Hazardous chemicals: solvents, fuels, dusts, asbestos | N/A · Action | |
| Dust and silica: cutting concrete, brick, stone, tile | N/A · Action | |
| Noise and vibration: saws, jackhammers, grinders | N/A · Action | |
| Confined spaces: pits, tanks, sewers | N/A · Action | |
| Heat, sun and fatigue | N/A · Action | |
| Slips, trips and housekeeping | N/A · Action |
Completed by: ____________________
Signature: ____________________
swmspack.com · Free printable checklist. Not legal advice; adapt to your site.
Common questions
▸What is hazard identification?
The process of finding the things at a workplace that could harm people, as the first step in managing risk. It comes before assessing the risk and choosing controls.
▸How is hazard identification different from a risk assessment?
Identification is finding the hazards; the risk assessment then rates how likely and how serious the harm is and decides the controls. A SWMS and a JSA both contain both steps.
Once you have identified the hazards, a SWMS records the controls step by step.
A checklist confirms controls are in place; a SWMS is the document the law requires before high risk construction work starts. Generate a site-specific one for your trade.