1. How much does a HIRA course cost?
Our Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment course costs R2,300 per person and takes 1 day to complete. Training introduces learners to hazard identification, risk evaluation, risk control measures and the principles of conducting workplace risk assessments.

2. What is Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)?
HIRA is a systematic process used to identify hazards in the workplace, determine the risks associated with those hazards and establish appropriate control measures.

Hazard identification focuses on recognising anything that has the potential to cause injury, illness, property damage or environmental harm. Risk assessment evaluates the likelihood of an incident occurring and the possible severity of its consequences.

The process helps organisations identify risks before incidents happen and plan appropriate preventive measures.

3. What do you learn in HIRA training?
The course introduces learners to the essential principles and procedures involved in workplace hazard identification and risk assessment.

Training topics include:

• Introduction to occupational health and safety.

• Understanding hazards and risks.

• Identifying workplace hazards.

• Recognising unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.

• Identifying potential sources of injury and illness.

• Assessing the likelihood and severity of harm.

• Understanding risk-rating methods.

• Applying the hierarchy of controls.

• Selecting suitable risk control measures.

• Recording and reporting identified hazards.

• Reviewing and updating risk assessments.

4. What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?
A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm, while a risk refers to the likelihood of that harm occurring and the possible consequences.

For example, an exposed electrical cable is a hazard. The risk includes the possibility of someone receiving an electric shock or suffering serious injury through contact with the exposed cable.

Understanding this difference helps learners identify workplace dangers and assess the level of risk associated with each hazard.

5. What are the different types of workplace hazards?
Workplace hazards can occur in different forms depending on the industry, equipment, activities and working environment.

Common categories include:

• Physical hazards: Noise, vibration, heat, moving machinery and falling objects.

• Chemical hazards: Harmful gases, fumes, vapours, liquids and dust.

• Biological hazards: Bacteria, viruses and other biological agents.

• Ergonomic hazards: Poor working posture, repetitive movements and manual handling.

• Mechanical hazards: Unguarded machinery, rotating equipment and moving parts.

• Electrical hazards: Exposed wiring, damaged electrical equipment and unsafe connections.

• Environmental hazards: Poor lighting, slippery surfaces and inadequate ventilation.

6. How do you conduct a workplace risk assessment?
A risk assessment follows a structured process to identify hazards, evaluate risks and determine appropriate control measures.

The main steps include:

1. Identify the work activities and tasks being performed.

2. Identify hazards associated with each activity.

3. Determine who could be harmed and how.

4. Evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential harm.

5. Determine the level of risk.

6. Select suitable control measures.

7. Record the findings and communicate them to relevant employees.

8. Review the assessment when conditions or work activities change.

7. What is the hierarchy of risk controls?
The hierarchy of controls is a system used to select measures for eliminating or reducing workplace risks. It prioritises the most effective controls before relying on measures that offer less protection.

The five levels are:

• Elimination: Completely remove the hazard.

• Substitution: Replace the hazardous material, process or equipment with a safer alternative.

• Engineering controls: Isolate people from hazards through physical changes, guards or protective systems.

• Administrative controls: Introduce safe work procedures, training, warning signs and work schedules.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Provide protective clothing and equipment to reduce exposure to hazards.

Using higher-level controls wherever reasonably practicable helps create safer working conditions.

8. What is a risk assessment matrix?
A risk assessment matrix is a tool used to evaluate and classify workplace risks. It generally considers two factors: the likelihood of an incident occurring and the severity of the possible consequences.

The combination of these factors produces a risk rating, which helps organisations prioritise hazards and determine the level of control required.

Risk matrices can classify risks as low, medium, high or extreme, depending on the organisation’s assessment method.

9. Who should attend HIRA training?
HIRA training is useful for individuals who are involved in identifying workplace hazards, monitoring safety conditions or supporting occupational health and safety activities.

The course is suitable for:

• Health and safety representatives.

• Safety officers and supervisors.

• Team leaders and managers.

• Construction workers.

• Factory and production employees.

• Warehouse and logistics personnel.

• Maintenance workers.

• Employees responsible for workplace inspections.

10. Where is Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment used?
HIRA principles are applied across industries where workplace activities, equipment, materials and environmental conditions can create safety risks.

Common environments include:

• Construction sites.

• Mining operations.

• Manufacturing plants.

• Warehouses and distribution centres.

• Engineering workshops.

• Industrial facilities.

• Transport and logistics operations.

• Offices and commercial buildings.

11. Do you receive a HIRA certificate after training?
Learners who successfully complete the required training and assessment receive a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment training certificate confirming completion of the programme. The certificate can be included in a CV as evidence of HIRA training.

12. What are the requirements for HIRA training?
The course is suitable for beginners, employees, supervisors and individuals interested in workplace health and safety. Previous HIRA experience is not essential.

Learners should be prepared to:

• Participate in theoretical instruction.

• Understand basic workplace safety principles.

• Identify common workplace hazards.

• Participate in risk assessment exercises.

• Learn how to select appropriate control measures.

• Complete the required course assessment.