What is HIRA? Complete Guide for Beginners (2026 Edition)

HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment) is one of the most essential tools used in industrial safety, EHS management, and accident prevention. It helps industries identify hazards, analyze risks, and apply control measures before an accident happens.

HIRA Full Form

HIRA = Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Why is HIRA Important?

• Prevents workplace accidents
• Ensures safe working conditions
• Reduces financial loss
• Improves safety culture
• Helps in legal compliance
• Supports ISO 45001 and OSHA audits

Components of HIRA

1. Hazard Identification

The first step is identifying anything that can cause harm.

• Slip / Trip hazards
• Fire hazards
• Electrical hazards
• Chemical exposure
• Machine entanglement
• Working at height hazards

2. Risk Assessment

This step evaluates how dangerous a hazard is.

Risk = Severity × Likelihood

3. Risk Control

Control methods follow the Hierarchy of Controls:

1. Elimination
2. Substitution
3. Engineering Controls
4. Administrative Controls
5. PPE

Steps of HIRA

Step 1 — Define the Activity

Example: Cutting metal using a portable grinder.

Step 2 — Identify Hazards

• Flying particles
• Sparks
• Noise
• Electric shock
• Eye injury

Step 3 — Determine Risk Level

Severity Scale

Severity	Description
1	Minor Injury
2	First Aid Case
3	Medical Treatment
4	Major Injury
5	Fatal

Likelihood Scale

Likelihood	Description
1	Rare
2	Unlikely
3	Possible
4	Likely
5	Almost Certain

Risk = Severity × Likelihood

Step 4 — Recommend Control Measures

• Use engineering controls
• Provide administrative controls
• Ensure PPE is worn
• Give worker training
• Use proper tools and equipment

Step 5 — Re-evaluate Residual Risk

Check whether the risk is now acceptable after applying controls.

HIRA Example

Activity: Working at height using a scaffold
Hazard: Fall from height
Severity: 5
Likelihood: 4
Risk: 20 (High)

Control Measures:

• Full body harness
• Guardrails
• Safety nets
• Scaffold inspection
• Trained workers only

Who Should Perform HIRA?

• Safety Officer
• Site In-charge
• Supervisor
• EHS Team
• Competent Person

Benefits of HIRA

• Reduces accidents
• Improves safety culture
• Ensures legal compliance
• Minimizes downtime
• Supports audits

Common Mistakes in HIRA

• Ignoring minor hazards
• Not involving workers
• Assuming without data
• Not updating regularly
• Poor documentation

Free HIRA Template

Activity	Hazard	S	L	Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk

External References

• OSHA: https://www.osha.gov
• ISO: https://www.iso.org
• NIOSH: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh
• HSE UK: https://www.hse.gov.uk

FAQ — HIRA

1. What is the purpose of HIRA?

To identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards before accidents occur.

2. Is HIRA mandatory?

Yes, it is required by OSHA, ISO 45001, and national EHS laws.

3. How often should HIRA be updated?

Every 6–12 months or when major changes occur.

4. What is the formula for Risk?

Risk = Severity × Likelihood

5. Who prepares HIRA?

Safety Officers, supervisors, and competent persons.

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