Hazard Management
NOTE: Due to rising licensing costs, the Hazard Assessment Web Application (HAWApp) tool will be discontinued effective April 1, 2025. Please download your existing hazard assessments for your records. Alternatively, hazard assessments that have been published in the HAWApp are listed here and available in PDF format here. This is not an exhaustive list and does not include unfinished or draft hazard assessments.
Health, Safety and Environment is currently exploring a digital tool to replace the HAWApp. When you need to update your existing assessments or create new ones, please use the hazard assessment Google template or other tools listed below.
For more information, please contact hse.info@ualberta.ca
Hazard management is an element of the Health, Safety and Environment Management System (HSEMS), which is a framework of policy, procedure and program-level documents in support of safe working and learning activities at the University of Alberta.
U of A senior administrators, supervisors, staff and students have legislated and university-mandated roles and responsibilities related to hazard management. Review the Hazard Management Assignment of Accountability and Hazard Identification, Assessment, and Control Procedure to learn more.
In Alberta, hazard management is legislated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act open in a new tab and described within the Regulation open in a new tab and Code open in a new tab .
Manage Hazards in the Workplace
All workplaces have hazards, which can be classified as biological, chemical, radiation (nuclear substances, lasers and X-ray devices), physical, ergonomic and psychological.
While biological, chemical and radiation hazards are more commonly found in research environments, a workplace like an office might have ergonomic hazards (e.g., improper workstation set up), physical hazards (e.g., excessive cords) or psychological hazards (e.g., workplace bullying).
Hazard assessments should be done before the beginning of work, when a change occurs or when there is a significant alteration to a worksite. They should also be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure that they are up to date.
A hazard assessment requires you to list your work tasks, identify associated hazards, then assess their likelihood and severity to determine the best combination of controls.
Complete a hazard assessment using the tool that best fits your role and desired approach:
- Field Activities Plan open in a new tab - Field Researchers
- Hazard assessment template open in a new tab - Staff
- Hazard assessment template open in a new tab - Students
- Hazard Assessment Web application - *Discontinued effective April 1, 2025*
The best people to do a hazard assessment are those involved in the work. Normally it is led by a supervisor and done in consultation with workers.
Based on your hazard assessment, determine which of the following control measures are right for each activity:
- Elimination or substitution: Remove the hazard from the activity or workplace, or replace it with less hazardous materials or equipment.
- Engineering controls: Includes equipment or modifications to ventilation systems and processes intended to remove or reduce exposure to a hazard.
- Administrative controls: Measures that affect how work is conducted, including scheduling, policies, best practices, training, housekeeping and maintenance.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards (including chemicals, biological materials, noise, radiation, etc.)
Share the completed hazard assessment with your co-workers and make sure everyone understands how to implement control measures.
Review and revise your hazard assessment regularly and any time you have a new or altered process.