Assessments & Workplace Monitoring

Environment, Health and Safety and Occupational Health offer hazard assistance, inspections and workplace monitoring in support of UW–Madison’s duty to provide a healthy and safe workplace.

Hazard Assessment

Hazard Identification and Assessment is the process of:

• Identifying workplace hazards
• Evaluating associated risks
• Managing risks by implementing appropriate controls

Conducting a hazard assessment helps prevent work-related injuries and illnesses by eliminating or controlling hazards. It also ensures workers have the training, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform their jobs safely. Supervisors are responsible for conducting and documenting hazard assessments for all job tasks within their area of responsibility.

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a systematic method for identifying and mitigating hazards associated with specific job tasks before work begins. JHAs help ensure workers are properly trained and equipped to work safely. Example JHA form

Steps to Conduct a JHA

1. Break down the job into individual tasks.
2. Analyze hazards for each task.
3. Determine controls to perform work safely.

Best Practices

• Involve workers who perform the job.
• Observe the job at its normal location.
• Review and improve the JHA periodically with all affected personnel.

Hazard Control Methods

• Eliminate the hazard at its source whenever possible.
• If elimination isn’t feasible, apply:
  • Engineering controls
  • Safe work practices
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Administrative controls (e.g., limiting exposure)

Examples of Hazard Controls

After Completing a JHA

• Acquire necessary equipment and supplies.
• Train workers on procedures, controls, and PPE.
• Review and update the JHA when jobs or equipment change.
• Retrain employees as needed.
• Consult EH&S for JHA reviews or questions.

Concerned or Unsure About Exposure?

If you are unsure whether your exposure exceeds OSHA permissible limits or reaches a hazardous level, Occupational Health (eoh@fpm.wisc.edu) can perform personal exposure monitoring to help assess and manage risk.

Lab Inspections and Outreach

The offices of biological and chemical safety conduct outreach and lab visits to ensure labs are set up with the overall safety guidance in mind. For more information on inspections and visits, view the lab inspection services information to get started.