What is a hazard analysis?

A hazard analysis is fundamentally a systematic examination aimed at identifying potential hazards in a work environment. This process involves evaluating the different aspects of work processes, tasks, and physical conditions to recognize any factors that might pose a risk to workers' health and safety. The goal is to pinpoint hazards before they cause harm, allowing for proactive measures to be implemented to mitigate these risks effectively.

The reason this choice stands out as the correct one is that it emphasizes the proactive nature of hazard analysis, which is essential in any safety program. It goes beyond just observing past incidents or collecting data; it focuses on identifying potential issues that could lead to accidents or injuries before they occur.

While reviewing past safety incidents is certainly important for understanding risk trends, it does not encompass the comprehensive assessment that a hazard analysis aims to achieve. Additionally, policies regarding workplace safety and statistical reports on workplace injuries provide valuable information but do not constitute a hazard analysis process itself. Therefore, the focus of hazard analysis is distinctly on identifying hazards and not merely on historical data or policy documentation.