HIRA training is shorthand for hazard identification and risk assessment training. Occupational HIRA training equips individuals to conduct systematic, thorough risk assessments in the workplace, including identifying hazards, evaluating and prioritising the associated risks, and proposing appropriate risk control measures.
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993 stipulates that all employers have a duty towards their employees to prevent exposure to hazards and provide a workplace that is safe and without risks to health and safety. Therefore, HIRA training is recommended for all workplaces and industries, regardless of the risk level.
Which sections of the OHS Act 85 of 1993 mention hazard identification and risk assessment?
The OHS Act and its regulations make many references to the importance of hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) in the workplace. Some notable references include:
Section 8: General duties of employers to their employees
Section 8 states that employers have a duty to provide a working environment that is “safe and without risks to the health of his employees”. Paragraph (d) specifies that employers have a duty to establish what hazards are attached to any work performed and establish which precautionary measures need to be implemented to protect the health and safety of workers.
Section 9: General duties of employers and self-employed persons to persons other than their employees
Section 9 stipulates that employers and self-employed people have a duty to ensure that persons other than their employees (customers, visitors, contractors working on site, and the general public) are not exposed to hazards and unnecessary risks due to any workplace activities.
Section 10: General duties of manufacturers and others regarding articles and substances for use at work
Section 10 stipulates that anyone who designs, manufactures, imports, sells, or supplies any article or substance for use at work has a duty to ensure that it is safe to use and does not pose any risks to health.
Section 12: General duties of employers regarding listed work
Section 12 of the OHS Act states that employers are required to identify hazards and evaluate risks arising from listed (hazardous or dangerous) work and to take steps to eliminate or reduce exposure to identified hazards.
Section 18: Functions of health and safety representatives
The OHS Act clearly states that one of the functions of a Health and Safety Representative is to “identify potential hazards and potential major incidents at the workplace”.
General Safety Regulations
Section 2 of the General Safety Regulations of the OHS Act stipulate that every employer is required to evaluate the potential risks attached to any condition or situation arising from any work activities and take steps to reduce those risks.
Is HIRA training necessary in low-risk workplaces?
Yes, HIRA training is recommended for all workplaces, including administrative office environments. Although an office setting is often considered ‘low risk’, there are in fact hazards present in all work environments. These may include ergonomic hazards, fire hazards, hazards relating to safe evacuation, psychosocial hazards, etc. The OHS Act requires all workplaces to implement hazard identification and risk assessment procedures, making HIRA training essential across all industries.
Which team members should attend HIRA training?
HIRA training is beneficial for anyone responsible for health and safety in the workplace. The following team members should attend HIRA training:
Health and Safety Officers
HIRA training is essential for Health and Safety Officers as they are responsible for implementing and overseeing HIRA in the workplace.
Health and Safety Supervisors/Managers
Supervisors and Managers must be able to spot hazards and control risks in their areas of responsibility.
Health and Safety Representatives
The OHS Act lists hazard identification as a core function of Health and Safety Representatives. HIRA training equips Health and Safety Reps to carry out this function effectively.
Employees working in high-risk environments
Any employee working in a high-risk area or environment should attend HIRA training.
What does HIRA training involve?
HIRA training gives delegates the skills to carry out logical, comprehensive risk assessments in the workplace. Importantly, HIRA training covers risk control measures, equipping delegates to put forward appropriate corrective actions to effectively eliminate hazards and reduce risks.
HIRA training should include both theory and practical exercises, giving delegates the opportunity to practice their hazard identification and risk assessment skills under the guidance of an experienced health and safety instructor.
Our fully accredited, one-day HIRA training covers the following content:
- Introduction to occupational health and safety
- Important sections of the OHS Act
- Introduction to HIRA, hazards, and risks
- Different types of risk assessments
- How to plan a HIRA
- How to assemble a HIRA team
- How to conduct a HIRA step by step
- Hazard identification techniques
- Categories of hazards
- How to evaluate risks using a risk matrix
- How to decide on appropriate risk controls
- The Hierarchy of Controls
- How to complete a risk assessment document
- How to maintain a risk register
HIRA training gives your team the skills to eliminate hazards and reduce risks before accidents happen.
Proactively eliminating hazards and controlling risks doesn’t just make your workplace safer for employees, contractors, clients, and the public – it’s also an essential aspect of legal compliance with the OHS Act. Don’t wait for an accident to reveal the hazards present in your workplace; contact us to book HIRA training now and empower your Health and Safety Team to recognise and control workplace risks.