Module 2: Common Hazards and Risk Control

Trainer Guidance

• Section 1: Introduction to Hazards
  • Trainer Notes: Briefly outline the module’s focus on spotting and managing hazards. Emphasize that hazards are everywhere on a site.
  • Timing: 5 minutes.
• Section 2: Identifying Common Hazards
  • Trainer Notes: Use slides to show examples (e.g., a worker on a shaky ladder for “working at height”). Ask: “Have you seen these on a site?” to connect to experience.
  • Activity: Interactive quiz – “Spot the Hazard” using site photos (5 minutes).
  • Timing: 15 minutes (10 for content, 5 for quiz).
  • Quiz Question:
    What is a common hazard when working at height?
    A) Loud noise
    B) Unstable ladders or scaffolds
    C) Poor lighting
    D) Wet floors
    Correct Answer: B) Unstable ladders or scaffolds
• Section 3: Risk Assessment Basics
  • Trainer Notes: Explain the 3-step process simply: “Find it, judge it, fix it.” Use a slip hazard as an example.
  • Timing: 15 minutes.

Understanding the 3-Step Process: "Find it, Judge it, Fix it"

Risk assessment is a crucial part of workplace safety, helping to prevent accidents before they happen. This section introduces a simple three-step approach to risk assessment:

• Find it – Identify potential hazards in the workplace.
• Judge it – Assess the level of risk associated with the hazard.
• Fix it – Implement appropriate control measures to reduce or eliminate the risk.

Example: Slip Hazard

To illustrate the process, consider a wet floor in a workplace as an example of a slip hazard:

• Find it: A spill has occurred on the floor near a busy walkway.
• Judge it: The floor is wet, making it highly likely that someone could slip and fall, leading to potential injuries.
• Fix it: Immediately clean up the spill.
  • Place a "Caution: Wet Floor" sign to warn others.
  • Ensure proper floor maintenance and encourage reporting of spills.

Activity:

The trainer can present different workplace scenarios and ask participants to apply the "Find it, Judge it, Fix it" method. This hands-on approach reinforces the importance of identifying and controlling risks to maintain a safe working environment.

• Section 4: Control Measures
  • Trainer Notes: Show examples (e.g., hard hats for falls, ear defenders for noise). Stress PPE as a last resort.
  • Timing: 15 minutes.
  • Quiz Question:
    What is the purpose of PPE in hazard control?
    A) To eliminate hazards completely
    B) To protect workers when other controls aren’t enough
    C) To replace training
    D) To warn others of danger
    Correct Answer: B) To protect workers when other controls aren’t enough
  • Handout: Quickfire Question and Answers to support the delivery of Section 4.
• Section 5: Group Task
  • Trainer Notes:

Activity:

• Groups list three control measures for working at height (e.g., guardrails, harnesses, training).
• Each group shares their ideas with the class for discussion.
• Purpose:
• Encourage practical application of safety knowledge.
• Reinforce the importance of preventative measures in reducing risks.

Execution (10 minutes total):

• Group Discussion: Teams brainstorm and list three controls.
• Feedback: Groups present their answers; trainer facilitates discussion, reinforcing best practices.

Outcome:

• Improved understanding of hazard control measures and their role in site safety.
• Activity: Groups list 3 controls for “working at height” (e.g., guardrails, harnesses, training). Share and discuss.
• Purpose: Apply learning practically.
• Execution: 5 minutes in groups, 5 minutes feedback.
• Timing: 10 minutes.