Free practical field guide
From hazard
to control.
A simple five-step method for moving beyond hazard lists and putting attention on the controls that prevent serious events.
Describe the work
Start with the task as it is actually performed: who is involved, where it happens, what equipment and materials are used, and what changes when conditions are different.
Ask: What are people really doing—not what does the procedure say they do?
Identify the credible event
Describe what could happen in a specific, realistic sentence. Avoid broad labels such as ‘working at height’ or ‘manual handling’. Name the unwanted event and who could be exposed.
Example: A person falls through an unprotected penetration while installing services.
Choose controls that change the risk
Prefer controls that remove the hazard or prevent the event without relying on perfect human performance. Administrative controls and PPE can support stronger controls, but rarely replace them.
Ask: What physically prevents the event, and what still depends on someone remembering?
Define what good looks like
Turn each critical control into a clear standard. State what must be present, available, capable or performed for the control to be effective.
Example: Every penetration is covered with a secured, load-rated cover or protected by compliant edge protection.
Verify in the field
Check the control where the work happens. Look for evidence, speak with the people doing the task and test whether the control will remain effective as the work changes.
Record the gap, owner and due date. Escalate immediately if the critical control is absent or ineffective.
Final check
Can the people doing the work explain the event, the critical controls and what they will do if a control is missing?
If not, the assessment is not finished.