In a hazardous work environment, what should be the first step in ensuring worker safety?

In a hazardous work environment, identifying potential hazards is the foundational step in ensuring worker safety. By recognizing and evaluating the hazards present, employers and safety professionals can understand the specific risks involved in the work environment. This allows for the development and implementation of effective safety measures and controls tailored to mitigate those risks.

Once hazards are identified, it becomes feasible to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), conduct regular health check-ups, and organize safety drills, all of which are essential aspects of a comprehensive safety program. However, without first identifying hazards, these other steps may not be effectively aligned with the actual needs of the workers or the specifics of the work environment. Hence, the identification of potential hazards must be the priority in creating a safe working environment.