Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA)
Systematic process to identify hazards and assess risks.
Course Category
Hazard Identification & Risk Management
Lecturer
Sophia
Lee
Enrolled Learners
0 learners
Last Updated
23-12-2025
Level
All Levels
Available Language(s)
English
What you'll learn
- Conduct hazard identification on a construction site.
- Assess risk levels using standard scoring methods.
- Select and implement appropriate controls to reduce risk.
Requirements
Basic safety awareness; introductory risk management knowledge is helpful but not required.
Description
HIRA teaches a structured approach to recognize hazards, evaluate risks, and determine appropriate controls. You will practice identifying high-risk scenarios common on construction sites and document risk assessments.
The course emphasizes prioritization, control selection, and ongoing monitoring to reduce incident potential.
Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA) is a structured process used to identify hazards on a construction site, assess the risks they pose, and determine appropriate controls. It helps prioritize safety actions, reduces the potential for incidents, and supports safer project delivery by focusing on the most significant risks.
Hazard identification is the first step, but HIRA goes beyond by evaluating how likely a hazard is to cause harm and how severe that harm could be. It outputs a risk level and specific controls, enabling prioritized action and ongoing monitoring.
Common categories include falls from height, electrocution and electrical hazards, struck-by incidents, caught-in/between hazards, trenching and excavation risks, crane and lifting hazards, fire and explosion risks, hazardous substances, and equipment-related hazards among others.
Hazards can be identified through site walk-throughs, job observations, checklists, incident and near-miss reports, design and method statements, consultations with workers, and reviews of drawings and procedures.
Risk levels are typically assessed by evaluating both the likelihood of occurrence and the potential consequence. Many courses use a risk matrix or scoring method (e.g., low/medium/high) to categorize risk and guide control choices.
For a given hazard, estimate how often it could cause harm (likelihood) and how bad the harm could be (consequence). For example, unguarded machinery with exposed moving parts might have a high likelihood of injury and a high consequence, resulting in a high risk level that requires strong controls and monitoring.
The hierarchy of controls prioritizes eliminating the hazard, substituting with a safer option, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE as a last line of defense. In HIRA, you select the highest-level feasible control for each hazard and document how it reduces risk.
For high-risk hazards, prioritize elimination or substitution where possible, implement engineering controls (guards, barriers, ventilation), use administrative controls (procedures, training, rotation), and ensure appropriate PPE is provided and used correctly.
A HIRA document should include: hazard description and location, identified root causes, likelihood, consequence, current controls, risk rating, proposed controls, residual risk, person responsible, date, and review date. It may also include linked documents like permits or JSA references.
Residual risk is the remaining risk after controls are implemented. It should be reviewed to ensure the controls are effective, monitored regularly, and adjusted if monitoring shows ongoing risk or changing site conditions.
HIRA should be reviewed whenever there are changes to the work scope, procedures, equipment, or site conditions; after incidents or near-misses; and periodically as part of a formal review cycle to ensure controls remain effective.
Engage workers through toolbox talks, on-site observations, interviews, and feedback sessions. Involve them in identifying hazards, validating risk ratings, suggesting controls, and communicating risk information to the crew.
HIRA informs PTW and JSA by identifying hazards and risk levels that require controls. JSA focuses on safe tasks and steps, while PTW addresses authorization for high-risk activities. Together, they create a coherent safety management approach on site.
A risk register is a consolidated record of identified hazards, assessed risks, and implemented controls across the project. It should include hazard descriptions, risk ratings, controls, responsible persons, status, and review dates to track progress and accountability.
For new tasks, start with a rapid hazard identification session, use the risk matrix to estimate likelihood and consequence, apply the hierarchy of controls, and document the plan. Validate with workers and update the HIRA as learning occurs.
Common mistakes include incomplete hazard identification, vague risk ratings, failing to involve workers, not updating controls after changes or incidents, and not assigning clear ownership or review dates.
HIRA outputs can be translated into toolbox talks, site signage, and short training modules that explain the hazards, risks, and controls. Visual risk assessments and simple checklists help reinforce understanding and compliance on site.
Yes. While the core HIRA process is universal, you should align hazard identification and risk controls with local regulations, standards, and site-specific policies. Adapt language, risk criteria, and documentation formats accordingly.
This quiz assesses your understanding of Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment within construction safety. It covers identifying hazards, evaluating risk levels, selecting and applying control measures, and monitoring their effectiveness on site.
$140.00
This Course Include
1 hours
1 quizzes
40 lessons
Full lifetime access
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