OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry course

What should be the first step for employees according to the basic industrial hygiene process?

1. Control exposure and risk

2. Evaluate exposure and risk

3. Anticipate potential hazards

4. Recognize potential hazards

The correct answer is: Anticipate potential hazards

The first step in the basic industrial hygiene process is to identify or recognize potential hazards within the workplace. This foundational step involves understanding the environment and activities that could lead to exposure to harmful substances or conditions. By recognizing what hazards may exist, employees can then take appropriate actions to evaluate and control those risks. The process of recognizing hazards is vital because it informs all subsequent steps. Without this initial identification, it becomes challenging to effectively assess exposure levels, implement controls, or conduct thorough evaluations of the risks present. This recognition could encompass a range of hazards, including chemical, physical, biological, or ergonomic elements, ensuring that all potential threats are considered before moving onto the evaluation and control phases.