Identifying High Risk Tasks: A Proactive Approach to Workplace Safety

Quick Highlights

• High risk tasks increase the likelihood of serious injuries and incidents
• Routine jobs can still pose significant safety hazards
• Identifying high risk tasks supports OSHA compliance
• Job hazard analysis is a key tool for risk identification
• Proactive planning helps prevent injuries before they occur

Workplace incidents rarely happen at random. In most cases, injuries and near misses can be traced back to specific activities that carry a higher level of danger. That’s why identifying high risk tasks is one of the most important steps employers can take to improve safety, reduce incidents, and stay compliant with OSHA requirements.

High risk tasks are often part of everyday operations, which can make them easy to overlook. By taking a structured, proactive approach to identifying and managing these tasks, employers can address hazards before they lead to injuries, downtime, or potential penalties.

What Are High Risk Tasks?

High risk tasks are job activities that expose workers to greater potential for injury, illness, or fatality. These tasks may involve hazardous equipment, hazardous energy, working at heights, exposure to chemicals, or other physically demanding actions.

Common examples include operating heavy machinery, performing certain types of maintenance work, working in confined spaces, handling hazardous materials, or performing repetitive tasks that can lead to ergonomic injuries. Tasks performed daily that feel like second nature can be high risk if hazards are not properly controlled.

Why Identifying High Risk Tasks Matters

Identifying high risk tasks allows employers to focus safety efforts where they matter most. OSHA standards often require employers to assess workplace hazards and implement controls, training, and procedures to reduce risk. When high risk tasks go unidentified, hazards are more likely to be missed, increasing the chance of injuries and violations.

Beyond compliance, identifying high risk tasks helps protect employees, reduce workers’ compensation costs, and improve overall safety culture. Employees are more likely to follow procedures and report concerns when they see that safety risks are taken seriously.

How to Identify High Risk Tasks in Your Workplace

Review Incident and Near-Miss Data

Past incidents, near misses, and safety observations provide valuable insight into where risks exist. Tasks associated with frequent injuries, property damage, or close calls should be evaluated closely.

Observe Work Activities

Watching how tasks are actually performed and not just how they’re written in your procedures/policies can reveal hidden hazards. Shortcuts, workarounds, and inconsistent practices often point to elevated risk.

Conduct Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs)

Job Hazard Analysis is one of the most effective methods for identifying high risk tasks. Breaking a job into individual steps allows employers to identify hazards at each stage and determine appropriate controls.

Consider Non-Routine and Infrequent Tasks

Tasks performed infrequently, such as maintenance shutdowns or emergency repairs, often carry higher risk because employees may be less familiar with the hazards or procedures involved.

Evaluate Environmental and Human Factors

Factors such as weather conditions, noise, lighting, fatigue, and staffing levels can increase risk. A task that is normally low risk can become high risk when one or more of these conditions change.

Common Categories of High Risk Tasks

While every workplace is different, many high risk tasks fall into similar categories:

• Working at heights or around fall hazards
• Operating machinery or powered industrial trucks
• Servicing equipment with hazardous energy
• Handling hazardous chemicals or materials
• Confined space entry
• Tasks requiring specialized training or PPE

Identifying high risk tasks within these categories helps prioritize controls and training.

Controlling Risk Once These Tasks Are Identified

Identifying high risk tasks is only the first step. Employers must also take action to reduce risk. This may include engineering controls, updated procedures, regular safety toolbox talks, or stricter enforcement of safety rules.

Clear documentation, consistent training, and employee involvement are critical. When workers understand why a task is considered high risk and how controls protect them, compliance improves.

Making Identifying High Risk Tasks an Ongoing Process

Workplaces change over time. New equipment, new employees, and new processes can introduce new hazards. Identifying high risk tasks should be an ongoing process, not a one-time activity.

Regular safety reviews, refresher training through a tool like SafetyConnect, and updated hazard assessments help ensure that risks are addressed as conditions evolve. This proactive approach strengthens safety programs and reduces the likelihood of serious incidents.