This assessment tool works works well in small workplaces. The tool can be applied to all types of
workplaces, industry sectors or work tasks. The tool supports the RACE process; Recognize, Assess,
Control and Evaluate controls. This process is a well-accepted method for controlling hazards and
reducing injuries and illness.
Task/Activity
Write down the any tasks or activities that you think may be hazardous. Have workers or supervisors
mentioned anything in the past, have there been any close calls or injuries performing certain tasks? For
example, you may have heard that someone hurt their back lifting boxes off the floor at the loading dock.
Hazard/Source of Harm
Next think about what the source of harm is for this task and write down the source in the the Hazard
column. For the previously mentioned example of lifting a heavy box off the floor, the source of harm
would be the heavy box on the floor.
Assess the Risk
Check the table at the bottom of the page for help with this section. What is the Likelihood that someone
lifting the heavy box off the floor will injure their back? Back injuries are the most common cause of non-
traumatic injury in Ontario and Canada so we can say the hazard is likely to cause an injury (Yes).
Estimate the Consequences
What would be the Consequences of someone hurting their back while lifting? Back injuries can lead to
many days off work and in some cases result in permanent disability. In this case we would likely say the
task can cause a serious injury (Yes).
SIMPLE HAZARD ASSESSMENT TOOL
INSTRUCTIONS
WSPS.CA
