What is the primary purpose of a hazard assessment?

The primary purpose of a hazard assessment is to identify potential hazards associated with materials. This process is essential for ensuring workplace safety, as it helps organizations recognize substances and situations that could pose risk to health or safety. By thoroughly assessing hazards, organizations can determine the necessary safety measures, implement appropriate controls, and develop effective emergency response plans.

Recognizing potential hazards enables informed decision-making about operations, thereby minimizing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, or exposure to harmful substances. Additionally, this assessment informs training and safety protocols, making it a foundational step in establishing a safe working environment. In contrast, evaluating costs, determining insurance needs, or training employees, while important aspects of safety and operational concerns, are secondary to the fundamental need to identify and understand the hazards present in the working environment.