Creating a safe workplace isn’t just about reacting to accidents after they happen. It’s about anticipating risks and putting measures in place before anything goes wrong. This is where risk assessments come into play. But let’s be honest—when there are so many different hazards in a workplace, how do you know which ones to tackle first?

In this article, we'll walk you through a simple, clear, and human-friendly approach to prioritizing hazards in your risk assessments. Whether you're a business owner, supervisor, or someone interested in becoming a safety professional through a Safety Inspector Course, this guide will help you create a safer work environment step by step.

Why Prioritizing Hazards Matters

Imagine you're in a workshop where there's an exposed electrical wire, some slippery floors, and a noisy machine running without proper guards. All of these are dangerous, but not all hazards carry the same level of risk. Failing to prioritize could mean spending time and money fixing something minor, while leaving a major risk unaddressed.

That’s where understanding how to prioritize hazards becomes a critical skill. This knowledge is especially emphasized in programs like theSafety Inspector Course, which trains professionals to identify, evaluate, and control risks efficiently.

What is a Hazard?

Let’s first get clear on what a hazard actually is. A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm—like chemicals, electricity, working at heights, or even poor lighting. It's important to understand that hazards are everywhere in the workplace. Some are more visible, like wet floors, while others are more hidden, like long-term exposure to loud noise.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prioritize Hazards

Step 1: Identify All Hazards

Before prioritizing, you need to know what you're dealing with. Walk through the workplace and talk to employees. Review past incident reports, and observe regular tasks being done.

Common types of workplace hazards include:

  • Physical hazards (e.g., machinery, noise, heights)

  • Chemical hazards (e.g., cleaning products, gases)

  • Biological hazards (e.g., bacteria, mold)

  • Ergonomic hazards (e.g., repetitive motions, awkward postures)

  • Psychosocial hazards (e.g., stress, harassment)

Check out thisguide on hazard types from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Step 2: Assess the Risk

Once you've listed all the hazards, assess how risky each one is. Think about:

  • Likelihood – How likely is it that this hazard will cause harm?

  • Severity – If harm does happen, how bad could it be?

A simple risk matrix can help you categorize risks into high, medium, and low.

Anecdote: In a small textile factory, workers often ignored frayed wires because no one had been shocked yet. However, during a routine inspection by a safety officer trained through a Safety Inspector Course, it was revealed that a single spark could set off a major fire due to the flammable materials. That single hazard was then marked high-priority and fixed immediately.

Step 3: Classify Hazards by Risk Level

Now group your hazards:

  • High Risk: Likely to cause serious injury or death (e.g., working at heights without fall protection)

  • Medium Risk: Could cause injury or illness but not life-threatening (e.g., loud noise without ear protection)

  • Low Risk: Unlikely to cause serious harm (e.g., dusty shelves)

Use theHSE’s risk assessment template to get started.

Step 4: Control the Hazards

Once you've identified and assessed the risks, the next step is control. The Hierarchy of Controls is a standard method used worldwide:

  1. Elimination – Remove the hazard entirely

  2. Substitution – Replace with a less dangerous option

  3. Engineering Controls – Isolate people from the hazard

  4. Administrative Controls – Change how people work

  5. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Last line of defense

For example, if workers are exposed to toxic fumes, the best solution might be to install a ventilation system (engineering control), or better yet, switch to a non-toxic chemical (substitution).

Step 5: Monitor and Review

Hazards don’t stay the same. Machines wear out, tasks change, and new materials are introduced. Make sure to review your risk assessments regularly and update them as needed.

Set up periodic reviews, especially after:

  • A workplace accident or near miss

  • Changes in procedures or equipment

  • Reports from employees

Real-Life Scenario: Construction Site

On a construction site, hazards are everywhere—moving vehicles, falling objects, and heavy machinery. A safety inspector used a priority-based risk assessment to identify the most critical issues. While tripping hazards were common, the lack of guardrails on scaffolding was identified as the highest risk. Fixing the guardrails first prevented potential fatal falls, while the minor tripping issues were resolved afterward.

This simple prioritization strategy saved lives—and money.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating all hazards equally – Not everything is a red alert.

  • Relying only on paperwork – Walk the site. Talk to your team.

  • Ignoring employee input – Workers often know where the real dangers are.

  • Skipping regular reviews – Today’s low-risk hazard could be tomorrow’s disaster.

Tools That Can Help

Here are some helpful resources and tools:

These are particularly useful for those pursuing formal training such as a Safety Inspector Course or planning to become a safety officer.

Building a Culture of Safety

Prioritizing hazards isn’t just a checklist task—it’s part of building a culture of safety. When workers see that risks are being addressed logically and effectively, it boosts morale and increases productivity. They feel valued and protected.

Anecdote: A factory manager once joked that fixing a broken handrail wouldn’t boost profits. But after a worker fell and injured their back, it cost the company thousands in compensation and lost productivity. Ever since, the company adopted a “safety-first” mindset, beginning with prioritizing hazards systematically.

Why Training Matters

If you're serious about workplace safety, you need more than just common sense—you need training. Programs like the Safety Inspector Course equip you with the right tools, methods, and frameworks to perform professional-level risk assessments.

They cover:

  • Hazard identification

  • Risk evaluation

  • Use of control measures

  • Regulatory compliance

And yes, they also teach you how to prioritize hazards effectively, which is a skill every workplace needs.

Read More

Want to become a safety expert? Check out our guide onsafety officer course duration and fees to help you find the right program for your budget and schedule. Or, explore more about the Safety Inspector Course to take your first step toward a safer career.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to prioritize hazards in risk assessments isn’t just a technical skill—it’s a way of protecting people and business at the same time. When done right, it ensures that the most dangerous issues are handled first, preventing accidents, saving money, and creating a more productive workplace.

By following this step-by-step guide, using reliable tools, and considering professional training like a Safety Inspector Course, you can bring real change to your organization’s safety culture. So, don’t wait for the next incident. Start assessing—and prioritizing—your workplace hazards today.

Safety isn’t expensive—it’s priceless.



Article written to support practical workplace safety and promote the importance of structured training in hazard management.