When should hazards be assessed according to safety guidelines?

Assessing hazards before the job starts is critical for ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in the work. Conducting a pre-job hazard assessment allows workers to identify potential risks associated with the task, the equipment being used, and the surrounding environment. By evaluating these factors beforehand, appropriate safety measures can be implemented to mitigate the risks effectively.

This proactive approach helps create a safer work environment, enabling workers to prepare adequately with necessary protective gear and to establish emergency procedures if required. It is vital for preventing accidents and injuries, making sure that everyone understands the safety protocols from the outset.

In contrast, assessing hazards at the end of the job or only in response to a complaint does not provide the necessary foresight to prevent incidents. Additionally, assessing hazards once the job is underway may lead to reacting to situations rather than proactively preventing them, which is not ideal for maintaining workplace safety.