20 Questions to Always Ask When Conducting a Hazard Assessment
Table of Contents
Don’t Miss These 20 Questions for a Safer Workplace
Physical hazards
Chemical hazards
Biological hazards
Ergonomic hazards or work design hazards
Stress or psycho-social hazards
Create 20 custom questions
Frequently asked questions about hazards
Don’t Miss These 20 Questions for a Safer Workplace
When was your last hazard assessment? If it’s been a while, it might be time to take another look.
Hazard assessments shouldn’t be a one-time task—they need to be a regular part of your safety routine and aligned with your broader safety goals. As work environments evolve, so do the risks within them. That’s why routine, well-documented hazard assessments are essential—not just for compliance, but for keeping people safe.
Just because you encounter a hazard every day doesn’t mean it’s safe. This is where hazard blindness sets in: a false sense of normalcy that makes dangers feel routine. It’s how skipping safety goggles becomes standard, or how an unstable workbench fades into the background. Over time, these oversights can add up—and during a formal hazard assessment, that kind of mindset can lead to serious risk.
To help break the cycle, here are 20 key questions to ask during a hazard assessment —questions that can help you regain focus, spot overlooked risks, and stay ahead of evolving hazards:
Physical hazards
Is there any noise in the workplace?
Would workers be subject to vibrations?
Are there any temperature extremes that could affect workers, equipment, or materials?
Are workers exposed to any radiation?
Are workers working at times of day that could affect vision?
Chemical hazards
Are workers exposed to anything that can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed into the body?
Are all chemicals labeled and classified properly?
Are all workers dealing with chemicals trained or certified in handling those specific chemicals?
Are provisions supplied for possible chemical accidents?
Biological hazards
Are workers exposed to living things or substances produced by living things that can cause illness; through inhalation, ingestion or absorption?
Is there proper disposal of biological hazards available?
Are all workers that are dealing with those substances trained or certified in handling
Ergonomic hazards or work design hazards
Can injury or strain arise from the design and organization of a worker’s workspace?
Are there any blind spots or poorly lit areas in the workspace?
Are all shelving or storage units secured?
Are walking and driving paths clear and free of obstructions?
Stress or psycho-social hazards
Are workers at risk from threats or violent attacks from the public?
Are individuals at risk from bullying or aggression from other employees within the company?
Are tasks evenly distributed to prevent one individual from experiencing work overload?
Are job roles defined so workers don’t feel uncertain and lacking job control?
Now that you are more attuned to hazard identification, try writing 20 unique questions specific to your own work space! The more questions you ask, the more comprehensive your assessment will be, and the safer your work space will become.
For more tips on hazard identification and workplace safety, look up our whitepapers here.
To ensure your workplace is as safe as possible, incorporating hazard assessments is crucial. Leverage the power of the Lone Worker Safety Solution App to enhance your team's security. Explore our pricing plans to find an option that aligns with your safety goals. For more insights on mitigating workplace hazards, don’t miss our detailed exploration of Workplace Hazards, designed to complement your knowledge on creating a safer work environment.
Create 20 custom questions
Now that you are more attuned to hazard identification, try writing 20 unique questions specific to your own workspace. The more questions you ask, the more comprehensive your assessment will be, and the safer your workspace will become.
Frequently asked questions about hazards
What is the purpose of your hazard assessment?
The purpose of a hazard assessment is to proactively identify potential risks in the workplace that could cause harm to employees, contractors, or visitors. By assessing hazards, organizations can implement appropriate controls to reduce or eliminate risks before incidents occur. It’s a foundational step in creating a safer work environment, ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, and fostering a culture of prevention.
How often should hazard assessments be performed?
Hazard assessments should be conducted regularly—not just as a one-time activity. While the exact frequency depends on the nature of your work and regulatory requirements, assessments should be performed:
Before starting a new project or job task
When introducing new equipment, chemicals, or procedures
After a workplace incident or near miss
When changes occur in the work environment (e.g., layout changes, seasonal conditions)
On a scheduled basis (e.g., weekly, monthly, or annually)
Regular assessments help keep safety practices current and responsive to changing conditions.
What are the 5 types of workplace hazards?
Workplace hazards generally fall into five main categories:
Physical hazards – Slips, trips, falls, noise, vibration, and temperature extremes.
Chemical hazards – Exposure to harmful substances like gases, vapors, dust, or liquids.
Biological hazards – Viruses, bacteria, fungi, or other living organisms that pose health risks.
Ergonomic hazards – Poor workstation setup, repetitive movements, or awkward postures that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
Psychosocial hazards – Workplace stressors such as harassment, violence, burnout, or high workloads that affect mental health.
Understanding these categories helps ensure your assessments are thorough and account for all types of risk.