Hazard Assessment - Understanding COR Element 2
In this episode of Understanding COR, we explore Element 2: Hazard Assessment, one of the most essential components of any effective health and safety management system. A strong hazard assessment process helps employers identify risks before they cause harm—and ensures workers have the information they need to stay safe.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
• What a formal hazard assessment is and why it’s crucial
• How tasks are broken down to identify hazards at every step
• Why hazard assessments form the foundation of all safety programs
• How identifying and assessing hazards supports informed decision‑making and corrective action
• The four main categories of hazards: biological, chemical, physical, and psychological
• Real‑world examples of how a single task can involve multiple hazard types
• The difference between formal and site‑specific hazard assessments
• Why site‑specific assessments must be completed before work begins
• Key COR requirements, including:
○ A complete inventory of jobs, tasks, and associated hazards
○ Risk ranking for each hazard
○ Evidence of staff involvement at all levels
○ A process for reporting new hazards
• Why all hazards—regardless of risk level—must be eliminated or controlled to meet legislation
• How hazard controls ensure compliance with provincial and federal OHS requirements
📈 By understanding Element 2, employers and workers can build a consistent, proactive approach to identifying and controlling hazards across the organization.
📬 Questions? Contact the COR team at [email protected], or visit our website for more resources and support.