Identification of Occupational Hazards


During daily work activities in all industries, workers are exposed to various risks, ranging from minor injuries and superficial wounds to serious accidents that could result in permanent disability or death. For this reason, evaluating these risks is crucial to ensure the health and safety of our employees.
An occupational risk assessment is an important tool for any organization aiming to maintain a safe and healthy working environment. It is not only helpful to identify and control potential risks before incidents occur, but it is also a legal requirement under Federal Labor Law.
Effective risk assessment protects employees, reduces workplace accidents and illness costs, improves the work climate, and increases productivity. It also demonstrates the company’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its workers.
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How Can We Perform the Risk Assessment?
1. Hazard Identification: Recognize all possible hazards in the workplace that could cause harm. These hazards can be physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial.
2. Risk Assessment: Analyze the probability of an incident occurring and the severity of its consequences. This helps prioritize the risks and determine which require immediate action.
3. Implement Preventive Measures: Control the identified risks through changes in work processes, incorporation of personal protective equipment (PPE), education and training of workers, and modification of the work environment. Clear communication with workers on how and why these measures are implemented is vital. Active worker participation improves acceptance and compliance.
4. Continuous Monitoring and Review: Establish a system to ensure the effectiveness of the measures. This includes regular inspections, data collection and analysis on incidents and near misses, and reviewing the preventive measures.
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Over time, the work environment can change, so it is important to update the risk assessment. Failure to identify occupational hazards can have serious consequences for employees and employers. Workers may suffer permanent injuries, chronic illnesses, or even death, impacting not only them but also their families emotionally and financially.
Additionally, occupational accidents can lead to high costs, such as compensation to affected workers, fines for non-compliance with regulations, and productivity losses due to worker absences.
Currently, companies in the Veggies from Mexico community comply with these requirements, which are evaluated through a weekly audit and assesment program aimed at continuous improvement and enhancing worker well-being.