The Field Level Hazard Assessment

The Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA) really is a positive and proactive addition / support for any safety program. I have several good friends and a few family members working in various sectors such as construction, highways, healthcare and hospitality but out of ten only one was familiar with the process FLHA with one other who had heard of it.

On starting in the Oil Sands in 2013 I was introduced to the FLHA. Prior to moving to Canada whilst working offshore the main company I worked for used a process called Take 2. It was a simple little booklet with several checks. If the answer to any of the check questions was no then the employee completed a Stop card. These were submitted later if the issue could be controlled leaving no further danger for others. If not, the employee stopped and called their supervisor. I was told the FLHA used in my company had the same process. I guess in theory both systems Take 2 and FLHA) were trying to achieve the same end result. In practice the FLHA was a bit of a beast.

In previous blogs I have advocated keeping thing as simple and short as possible. If your employees are constantly stopping for non-reasons then something will be missed. It’s also a drag on production!

The document used was for all intents and purposes was a formal blank hazard assessment document. My understanding initially was that employees used the process when starting tasks or using equipment for the first time that shift. Some employees struggled with basic literacy, others also struggled as English wasn’t their familiar language. The employee was simply meant to note any new hazards not identified in the environment or and changes in condition of equipment that may pose hazard. It was clear that some many struggled with the process whilst others quickly noted hazards already identified in the Safe Work Procedures. Was the FLHA process effective and efficient and was it utilized to full potential? Not at all sadly!

The FLHA process or whatever you call it has potential to greatly improve your safety performance and indeed add positivity to your culture. It can indeed create safety interactions in your business that can be shared widening the learning curve. We could look for trends and focus training in areas that repeat. The sky is the limit if used correctly!

So, what is key to a good FLHA? My first though is we must keep the process short and simple. Some simple questions, but not using the Y/N format. My simple advice for the answering of these questions is using the format yes / STOP! My advice is this must trigger the employee to either note and control the hazard prior to restarting the task of stop and inform their supervisor if they cannot complete adequate controls. Some simple questions bulleted below:

• Have I read the SWP / JSA for the task I am about to perform?

• Do I fully understand the task?

• Is the work area free from hazards (housekeeping)?

• Is the equipment I am about to use checked and fully serviceable (pre-user check complete)?

• If required is my PPE at hand and fully serviceable?

• If applicable warning signs, barriers

• Is there any danger to other in the vicinity?

• Are there and time restraints - Is there any need to rush?

Digitalizing this process is becoming common but we need to understand there are pitfalls to this. Some employees may not be IT savvy and some employers are not keen on employees using cell phones. That’s just 2 pitfalls there are others. Producing small pockets size notebooks can be an answer but there is a cost involved. With a clever design they can however last and indeed be swapped between shift workers.

Other key info that may be forgot in an emergency of if an employee is stressed can be added. Locations of emergency muster points. Radio call signs or telephone numbers in emergencies. Maybe the front page can give an introduction to the program adding some reasons why we require diligence. You may add a page or 2 for your ‘Golden Rules’, ‘Safety Absolutes ‘, or whatever you call them if relevant. Obviously, you need space for the employee to note the findings and actions if any questions are answered with STOP.

Generic FLHA type processes used with diligence will add positively to your overall safety program. They can however be made role specific. If you need to WAH, LOTO, CSE or there are lifting activities going on as part of the scope then these can be included adding precautions such as fall protection etc.

Finally, small and medium-sized businesses outside mining regions or the Oil Patch can apply all of the above. When fully supported, properly resourced, and championed with genuine enthusiasm from leadership, these efforts will deliver real, measurable benefits.

Reach out if you need support in this proactive area. It really can add a solid layer of protection for your workforce!

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