Clause 6.1.2 of ISO 45001 requires organizations to maintain a continuous, proactive hazard identification process covering normal and abnormal operating conditions, contractor and visitor activities, and human and organizational factors.
Hazard Types Often Overlooked
Beyond obvious physical hazards such as machinery, chemicals, or working at height, the standard emphasizes ergonomic hazards and psychosocial hazards — workload stress, workplace violence, or sexual harassment — which many Thai organizations have not yet systematically incorporated into their risk assessment process.
The Hierarchy of Controls
Once hazards are identified and risk levels assessed, the standard requires organizations to consider controls according to a hierarchy: elimination first, then substitution with something lower-risk, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) as the last resort. A common mistake is jumping straight to PPE without considering more effective options first.
Maintaining Process Continuity
Hazard identification is not a one-time activity; it must continue whenever work processes change, new machinery is introduced, or after an accident or near miss. Mature organizations embed hazard identification into regular daily or weekly safety meetings as a matter of routine.