Who is responsible for conducting a hazard assessment?

The responsibility of conducting a hazard assessment lies with a qualified person and/or a competent person because these individuals have the necessary training, experience, and expertise to identify, evaluate, and mitigate hazards in the workplace effectively. A qualified person possesses a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, while a competent person is someone who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surrounding or working conditions. They are able to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate these hazards. This structured responsibility ensures that the assessment is thorough and that proper safety protocols are followed, ultimately contributing to a safer work environment for all personnel on the site.

In contrast, untrained personnel, a safety officer only, or any worker on site lack the required qualifications or expertise necessary to conduct an effective hazard assessment, which could potentially lead to safety oversights and increased risk of accidents.