Which set of steps best describes the typical hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) process?

Which set of steps best describes the typical hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) process?

• A. Identify hazards; assess risk (likelihood and severity); determine risk level; select controls using the hierarchy of controls; implement controls; monitor effectiveness; document results.
• B. Identify hazards; implement controls; monitor effectiveness; document results.
• C. Identify hazards; determine risk level; assess risk; implement controls; monitor effectiveness.
• D. Identify hazards; assess risk; determine risk level; implement controls; monitor effectiveness; document results.

Answer: (A)

Understanding how a hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) flows helps you build a safe, effective plan. Start by identifying all potential hazards so nothing is assumed or overlooked. Then assess the risk by considering both how likely the hazard is to cause harm and how severe the harm could be. This two-factor evaluation lets you determine a risk level that guides what needs to be controlled. Next, choose controls using the hierarchy of controls, aiming to eliminate the hazard or reduce exposure as much as possible before resorting to less effective measures. After selecting the appropriate controls, implement them, and then monitor their effectiveness to ensure they’re working and to catch any gaps. Finally, document the results so there is a record of what was done and how well it performed, supporting ongoing improvement. This sequence best captures a complete HIRA approach because it covers identification, quantified risk assessment, informed control selection with the hierarchy, implementation, monitoring, and documentation. The other options miss one or more essential elements or get the order misaligned—for example, skipping the hierarchy, omitting documentation, or placing steps in an illogical order.

Understanding how a hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) flows helps you build a safe, effective plan. Start by identifying all potential hazards so nothing is assumed or overlooked. Then assess the risk by considering both how likely the hazard is to cause harm and how severe the harm could be. This two-factor evaluation lets you determine a risk level that guides what needs to be controlled. Next, choose controls using the hierarchy of controls, aiming to eliminate the hazard or reduce exposure as much as possible before resorting to less effective measures. After selecting the appropriate controls, implement them, and then monitor their effectiveness to ensure they’re working and to catch any gaps. Finally, document the results so there is a record of what was done and how well it performed, supporting ongoing improvement. This sequence best captures a complete HIRA approach because it covers identification, quantified risk assessment, informed control selection with the hierarchy, implementation, monitoring, and documentation. The other options miss one or more essential elements or get the order misaligned—for example, skipping the hierarchy, omitting documentation, or placing steps in an illogical order.