OSHA Hazard Assessment Form
Complete your required OSHA workplace hazard assessment. Evaluate hazards across 6 critical categories, determine PPE requirements, and generate a certified assessment form — all free. Non-compliance penalties up to $170,181 per willful violation (2026 rates).
What is an OSHA Hazard Assessment Form?
An OSHA hazard assessment form is a required workplace evaluation document under 29 CFR 1910.132(d) that identifies workplace hazards and determines what personal protective equipment (PPE) employees need. The employer must certify in writing that the assessment was performed, including the workplace evaluated, the assessor's name, and the date of the assessment.
Written Certification Required
OSHA requires a written certification that the hazard assessment has been performed. This document must identify the workplace, the person certifying, and the date — and must be available for OSHA inspection at any time.
Hazard Categories to Evaluate
Assess each category to determine required PPE and safety controls per OSHA standards
Impact Hazards
29 CFR 1910.135, 1910.136Falling objects, flying particles, and moving machinery that could strike workers.
Required PPE
- Hard hats
- Safety glasses
- Face shields
- Steel-toe boots
Common Sources
- Overhead work
- Power tools
- Forklifts
- Falling stock
Penetration Hazards
29 CFR 1910.138Sharp objects, protruding materials, and needles that could pierce skin.
Required PPE
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Safety shoes
- Puncture-resistant soles
Common Sources
- Sheet metal
- Broken glass
- Needles
- Wire
Chemical Hazards
29 CFR 1910.1200Chemical splashes, vapors, mists, and fumes that could cause injury or illness.
Required PPE
- Chemical splash goggles
- Respirators
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Aprons
Common Sources
- Cleaning agents
- Solvents
- Acids
- Paint fumes
Thermal Hazards
29 CFR 1910.132Extreme heat or cold that could cause burns, heat stress, or frostbite.
Required PPE
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Insulated clothing
- Face shields
- Cooling vests
Common Sources
- Welding
- Furnaces
- Freezers
- Hot surfaces
Noise Hazards
29 CFR 1910.95Sound levels above 85 dB TWA that could cause hearing damage over time.
Required PPE
- Earplugs (NRR 25+)
- Earmuffs
- Custom-molded inserts
Common Sources
- Heavy machinery
- Pneumatic tools
- Generators
- Production lines
Electrical Hazards
29 CFR 1910 Subpart SExposed wiring, energized equipment, and electrical discharge risks.
Required PPE
- Insulated gloves
- Dielectric boots
- Arc flash suits
- Face shields
Common Sources
- Panel work
- Energized circuits
- Wet conditions
- Overhead lines
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Penalties for Missing Hazard Assessments (2026)
OSHA actively cites employers who fail to conduct and certify hazard assessments
No written hazard assessment, inadequate PPE selection, or failure to certify the assessment.
Known hazards without assessment, repeated failures after prior citations.
PPE violations can be cited per-employee, multiplying penalties significantly.
OSHA Hazard Assessment FAQs
Common questions about OSHA hazard assessments and PPE requirements
What is an OSHA hazard assessment form?
An OSHA hazard assessment form is a documented evaluation required under 29 CFR 1910.132(d) that identifies workplace hazards and determines what personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed to protect employees. The assessment must be certified in writing, include the workplace evaluated, the person who performed the assessment, and the date. It covers physical, chemical, biological, radiological, and ergonomic hazards present in each work area.
When is a hazard assessment required by OSHA?
OSHA requires a hazard assessment: (1) Before employees begin work in any new work environment, (2) Whenever new processes, equipment, or chemicals are introduced, (3) After any workplace incident or near-miss, (4) When employees report new hazards, and (5) At least annually as part of your safety program review. The assessment must be completed by a competent person who understands workplace hazards and PPE selection criteria.
What must be included in an OSHA hazard assessment?
A compliant OSHA hazard assessment must include: identification of all workplace hazards by category (impact, penetration, compression, chemical, heat, dust, light radiation), evaluation of the likelihood and severity of each hazard, determination of appropriate PPE for each hazard, written certification with the workplace name, assessor name, and date, and documentation of employee training on PPE use. The assessment should cover every work area and job function.
What is the difference between a hazard assessment and a risk assessment?
A hazard assessment identifies what hazards exist in the workplace and what PPE is needed — it's required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132(d). A risk assessment goes further by evaluating the probability and severity of each hazard to prioritize controls using the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE). Both are important components of a comprehensive safety program.
What are the penalties for not having a hazard assessment?
Failure to conduct and certify a workplace hazard assessment violates OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132(d) and can result in citations up to $16,991 per serious violation and $170,181 per willful violation (2026 rates). Additionally, if an employee is injured due to inadequate PPE that would have been identified through a proper assessment, the employer faces increased liability and potential willful violation citations.
How do I conduct a workplace hazard assessment?
Step 1: Walk through each work area and observe all tasks being performed. Step 2: Identify sources of hazards including motions, high temperatures, chemicals, sharp objects, falling objects, electrical sources, dust, and light radiation. Step 3: Evaluate which hazards require PPE and select appropriate equipment. Step 4: Document findings on a certified hazard assessment form. Step 5: Train employees on identified hazards and required PPE. Step 6: Review and update whenever conditions change.
What types of hazards should be evaluated?
OSHA's hazard assessment covers these categories: Impact hazards (falling objects, moving machinery), Penetration hazards (sharp objects, needles), Compression hazards (roll-over, pinching), Chemical hazards (splashes, vapors, mists), Temperature hazards (extreme heat or cold), Harmful dust and fibers, Light radiation (welding, lasers, UV), Biological hazards (bloodborne pathogens, mold), Noise hazards (above 85 dB TWA), and Ergonomic hazards (repetitive motion, lifting).
How does a hazard assessment relate to evacuation planning?
Hazard assessments identify dangers that directly affect evacuation planning. Chemical storage locations determine evacuation routes (avoiding hazmat areas), equipment locations affect egress paths, and identified fire hazards determine extinguisher placement. Our evacuation map generator uses your hazard data to create maps that mark hazard zones, ensure safe evacuation routes avoid dangerous areas, and place appropriate safety equipment along egress paths.
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