Can hazard control measures be implemented effectively only after hazards have been identified?

Implementing hazard control measures based solely on the identification of hazards is a fundamental principle of safety management. Hazards must first be recognized and understood to determine appropriate control strategies that effectively mitigate risks. This identification process lays the groundwork for any safety protocols; hence, actions to manage hazards typically begin after they have been identified.

In practice, identifying hazards involves recognizing potential sources of harm in a system or process. Once hazards are identified, the next steps often involve assessing the risks they pose, which aids in determining which control measures are necessary. It is essential for creating a safe environment that any measures—delegated as active (like implementing new safety systems) or passive (like structural changes)—be rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the hazards involved. By ensuring that control measures are specifically designed to address identified hazards, organizations can foster inherently safer designs and processes.

While there are instances where proactive measures might be utilized—which is based on experience or known industry risks—it is most effective and safe to rely on a thorough identification process to inform decision-making. This principle underscores a systematic approach to hazard management in inherently safer design practices.