It started with a missing guardrail. A worker in Alberta stepped back while adjusting equipment and fell over the edge. 

It was a small detail—something easily overlooked. But that one hazard, left unassessed, led to serious injuries and a stop-work order.

In Canada, more than 277,000 workplace injuries were reported in 2022, according to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC). 

Many of these incidents stemmed from hazards that seemed minor—until they weren’t. That’s why field level hazard assessment (FLHA) matters.

Every job site is different. Even if you've been there yesterday, today’s conditions could be completely new. 

Maybe there’s a power line down, new equipment in the area, or icy ground after an overnight freeze. These changes can turn routine tasks into serious risks.

A field level hazard assessment is a simple check done before any task begins. It helps workers take a few minutes to look around, think critically, and identify anything that might pose a danger. 

Especially in industries like construction, energy, and manufacturing, FLHAs are a key tool in protecting workers from harm. Because spotting a hazard before it becomes an incident can make all the difference.

What Is a Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA)?

A field level hazard assessment (FLHA) is a quick, task-specific safety check done by workers right before starting a job. 

Unlike broader safety plans or job hazard analyses (JHAs), which are prepared in advance by supervisors or safety teams, FLHAs are carried out on the spot—often at the start of a shift or when job conditions change.

The purpose is simple: to help workers stop, look around, and identify any potential hazards related to the task they’re about to do. This includes things like unstable ground, nearby power lines, moving equipment, weather changes, or other people working nearby. 

If anything seems unsafe, the worker either takes steps to fix it or reports it before beginning the job.

FLHAs are especially important in high-risk industries like construction, oil and gas, and utilities, where site conditions can change rapidly. 

They don’t take long—often just a few minutes—but they play a critical role in preventing injuries and keeping everyone on the site safe.

It’s important to note that FLHAs don’t replace broader safety plans like JHAs or company-wide hazard assessments. 

Instead, they work alongside them, offering a last line of defence by ensuring that safety is considered at the most immediate level—right where the work is happening.

Key Components of a Field Level Hazard Assessment

A field level hazard assessment may be quick, but it follows a structured process. Each step ensures that workers not only spot hazards, but also know how to reduce or eliminate them before starting any task. 

While the process might vary slightly by company or industry, the core components remain the same—especially in high-risk environments like construction, oil and gas, or utilities. Below are the four key steps every FLHA includes:

1. Identifying Hazards in the Work Area

The first step is for workers to take a close look at their surroundings. This means visually scanning the area for anything that could cause harm—such as uneven ground, overhead power lines, sharp tools, heavy equipment, or even sudden weather changes. 

In construction, this might include open trenches or scaffolding. In utilities, it could be exposed wires or traffic risks. Spotting these issues early helps prevent accidents before they happen.

2. Evaluating Risk Levels

After identifying hazards, workers think about how likely each hazard is to cause harm and how severe the consequences could be. While formal risk ratings (like low, medium, high) may be used, the key is to use good judgment. 

For example, a moving excavator in close proximity would be rated higher risk than a noisy generator placed at a safe distance.

3. Determining Controls and Mitigation Steps

Once hazards are evaluated, workers must plan how to reduce the risks. This could involve wearing the proper PPE, adjusting the placement of tools or equipment, or having a safety talk with the team. 

Many workplaces follow the hierarchy of controls—starting with eliminating the hazard if possible, then substituting, engineering controls, administrative actions, and finally PPE as the last line of defense.

4. Documenting the Assessment

Finally, the FLHA must be written down. Most companies use paper forms, mobile apps, or tablets for this step. 

Documentation ensures there’s a clear record of what hazards were found, what actions were taken, and who completed the check. It also helps with future audits and proves that safety protocols are being followed. 

Whether digital or on paper, a properly filled FLHA shows that everyone is taking responsibility for job site safety.

Why Field Level Hazard Assessments Matter

Field level hazard assessments are more than just a safety form or checklist—they play a critical role in creating safer work environments across Canada. 

Unlike job hazard analyses or safety plans created before a project begins, FLHAs focus on the immediate task and changing site conditions. They offer real-time insight that helps prevent incidents before they happen.

The impact of FLHAs can be seen in how they change worker behaviour, reduce risks, and strengthen team culture. Here’s how:

1. Improves Real-Time Awareness and Decision-Making

One of the biggest benefits of FLHAs is how they force workers to stop and think. Instead of going on autopilot, workers must assess their surroundings and consider whether anything has changed. 

This simple pause encourages better decision-making and heightens awareness of nearby hazards—like an unstable ladder, shifting weather, or other crews working in the area. This kind of mindfulness leads to safer actions and fewer surprises.

2. Reduces Workplace Accidents and Near Misses

Many jobsite accidents happen not because of a lack of planning—but because conditions changed after the plan was made. FLHAs help bridge that gap by addressing current, on-the-ground risks. 

Studies from Canadian workplace safety boards show that many incidents are preventable if hazards are identified and addressed early. FLHAs give workers the tools to spot and fix these issues before they escalate.

3. Builds a Culture of Accountability

When workers complete FLHAs themselves, it sends a strong message: safety isn’t just the supervisor’s job—it’s everyone’s responsibility. This shared ownership builds a culture where workers look out for themselves and each other.

Over time, this sense of accountability can lead to stronger safety habits, better hazard communication, and a more confident, empowered team.

Common Industries Where FLHA Is Essential

Field level hazard assessments are a must in any high-risk industry where work conditions can shift quickly. 

Unlike static office jobs, these sectors often involve changing environments, heavy machinery, and hazardous materials. 

That’s why task-based risk assessments like FLHAs are so valuable—they help workers stay alert and adapt to conditions in real time. 

Below are some of the key industries in Canada where FLHAs are not just helpful, but often required.

1. Construction

Construction sites change daily—new tools, different workers, shifting materials, and evolving structures. 

FLHAs help crews recognize site-specific risks like unstable scaffolding, active cranes, or nearby traffic. With so many moving parts, even small oversights can lead to serious accidents if not assessed before starting the task.

2. Oil & Gas

In oil and gas, high-pressure systems, flammable substances, and remote locations make safety critical. 

Field level hazard assessments ensure workers evaluate immediate hazards like gas leaks, pinch points, or changing ground conditions near rigs or pipelines. They’re essential for preventing catastrophic incidents.

3. Utilities and Electrical

Utility work often involves exposure to live electricity, working at heights, and being close to public spaces. 

Whether fixing power lines or inspecting transformers, FLHAs help workers check for nearby hazards like energized wires or poor weather conditions before starting any job.

4. Mining

Mines are constantly evolving environments with risks like falling rock, equipment movement, or ventilation issues. 

FLHAs ensure that workers evaluate hazards in real time—especially underground, where conditions can change rapidly and consequences can be severe.

5. Warehousing and Logistics

Even controlled indoor environments like warehouses involve risks—forklift traffic, unstable shelving, or poor lighting.

In logistics, frequent loading/unloading and new delivery conditions make FLHAs useful for catching hazards that standard safety procedures might miss.

FLHA vs. Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

While both Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHAs) and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) aim to prevent workplace injuries, they serve different purposes and are used at different stages of a job.

A JHA is a formal, planned process that takes place before work begins—often during the early stages of a project or job setup. It involves breaking down tasks into steps, identifying potential hazards, and outlining safety controls in advance. 

Supervisors, safety officers, or management teams typically conduct JHAs to create a clear safety roadmap.

In contrast, an FLHA is a quick, WHMIS-compiled risk assessment done by workers right before they start a task. It focuses on current site conditions—things that may have changed since the JHA was written. 

For example, rain may have made surfaces slippery, or new equipment may have been moved into the area. FLHAs catch these dynamic, task-specific hazards in real time.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Both tools are essential. JHAs provide a foundation for safety planning, while FLHAs ensure that safety decisions reflect the current reality on the ground. Together, they create a complete safety system.

How to Train Teams to Conduct Effective FLHAs

Training your team to complete field level hazard assessments (FLHAs) effectively is about more than handing out checklists—it’s about building a habit of active, critical thinking before any task begins. 

Good FLHAs can stop incidents before they happen, but only if workers understand how and why to use them properly.

Here are key strategies to train teams for consistent and meaningful FLHAs:

1. Use Practical, Scenario-Based Safety Training

Classroom instruction has its place, but nothing beats hands-on practice. Use real or simulated worksite scenarios to help workers identify and assess hazards. 

For example, walk through a mock job setup in construction or utilities and ask workers to call out what looks risky. This approach builds hazard recognition skills in a realistic context.

2. Reinforce Through Toolbox Talks and On-Site Supervision

Short, daily toolbox talks are a great way to keep safety top-of-mind. Use them to revisit FLHA basics or review recent near misses. 

Supervisors should also model and monitor FLHA behaviour—offering feedback, not just checking forms. This keeps the focus on safety, not just paperwork.

3. Introduce Digital Tools to Streamline the Process

Apps and tablets can help standardize FLHAs, making them easier to complete and track. 

Digital forms can also prompt workers with relevant hazard categories based on task type or location, reducing guesswork and improving accuracy.

4. Incorporate Incident Investigation Training

Understanding how small, missed hazards contribute to serious incidents can help teams take FLHAs more seriously. 

This is where incident accident investigation training comes into action!

This training links real events to overlooked risks and teaches workers why even minor hazards deserve attention.

Above all, consistency is key. FLHAs shouldn’t feel like a chore—they should be part of the team’s natural workflow, rooted in awareness and shared responsibility.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, a field level hazard assessment is more than just a checkbox—it’s a habit that saves lives. 

While policies and safety plans provide structure, it’s the decisions made in the field that often determine whether a task ends safely or with an incident. That’s where FLHAs come in.

By making it routine to pause, scan for hazards, and take simple control steps, workers are encouraged to think proactively rather than reactively. FLHAs shift safety from being top-down to shared across the entire team. 

When every person on site takes ownership of identifying and addressing risks, it creates a stronger safety culture—one that protects not just individuals, but everyone around them.

FLHAs are especially powerful because they’re simple. They don’t require special equipment or long meetings—just a few focused minutes before each task. Yet those minutes can be the difference between a normal day and a serious injury.

In high-risk Canadian industries, where conditions can change quickly, FLHAs help keep safety grounded in the present moment. 

The goal isn’t just compliance—it’s creating a habit of awareness, responsibility, and action. And that mindset is what truly keeps worksites safe.