Recognising the hazards in a workplace and taking steps to eliminate or control the hazard ensures the safety and well being of all employees. It is easier and more effective to eliminate or control the hazard before serious injuries result.
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 states that an employer must eliminate any reasonably foreseeable risk to the health and safety of employees and others in the workplace and if this is not practicable must control the risk.
Hazards can be dealt with by:
o eliminating the hazard
o changing the equipment or materials
o changing work methods
o using personal protection equipment (PPE) (as a last resort)