HIRA stands for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. It is a systematic process used to identify workplace hazards, assess their likelihood and severity, and select appropriate control measures.
HIRA meaning and purpose
HIRA combines two connected activities. Hazard identification finds anything with the potential to cause injury, ill health, damage or disruption. Risk assessment then considers how likely the harm is and how severe its consequences could be.
The result is usually recorded in a HIRA register. It describes the activity, hazard, possible consequence, existing controls, likelihood, severity, risk rating, further controls, owner and target date.
Likelihood, severity and risk rating
Organisations commonly score likelihood and severity on defined scales and combine them in a risk matrix. The matrix helps prioritise work; it is not a substitute for judgement. Each scale must be explained, used consistently and reviewed against actual conditions.
Control measures and the hierarchy of controls
Controls should be selected from most to least effective: eliminate the hazard, substitute a safer option, use engineering controls, apply administrative controls, and use personal protective equipment. PPE matters, but it should not be the only answer when a stronger control is reasonably practicable.
Step-by-step HIRA process
- Define the activity, location, people and normal or abnormal operating conditions.
- Observe the work and consult operators, supervisors, contractors and maintenance staff.
- Identify physical, chemical, electrical, ergonomic, biological and behavioural hazards.
- Record who or what could be harmed and the credible consequences.
- Review existing safeguards, then rate likelihood and severity using the approved matrix.
- Select additional controls using the hierarchy of controls and assign an owner.
- Reassess residual risk after the proposed controls.
- Communicate the controls, implement them and verify that they work.
Practical HIRA example
For maintenance on an elevated conveyor, hazards may include a fall, unexpected start-up and dropped tools. Existing controls might include a work permit and trained technicians. Stronger controls could include isolating and locking out all energy sources, a certified work platform with guardrails, a barricaded drop zone and tethered tools. The team rates risk before and after those controls and records who will verify each action.
A low residual score is only credible after the control exists and has been checked. Do not reduce the score merely because an action is planned.
HIRA, JSA and risk assessment
HIRA versus JSA
HIRA can cover a process, area, project or activity at a broad level. A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) breaks one job into steps and identifies the hazard and safe method for each step. A HIRA may identify the need for a JSA when a task needs more detailed control.
HIRA versus a general risk assessment
Risk assessment is the wider concept. HIRA is a commonly used structured method that explicitly starts with hazard identification. Terminology varies between organisations; the quality of the scope, evidence and controls matters more than the label.
Who carries out and reviews HIRA?
A competent team should carry it out with people who understand the work: operators, engineering, maintenance, EHS, supervisors and relevant contractors. Review it after an incident or near miss, a process or equipment change, new legal or client requirements, evidence that controls are ineffective, and at the organisation's scheduled review interval.
Common HIRA mistakes
- Copying a generic register without observing the actual task.
- Listing consequences such as “injury” as if they were hazards.
- Ignoring non-routine work, contractors, start-up and shutdown.
- Relying on PPE before considering elimination or engineering controls.
- Changing scores without implementing or verifying controls.
- Failing to communicate the final safe method to the people exposed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of HIRA?
HIRA stands for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
Is HIRA the same as JSA?
No. HIRA can assess a broad process or area, while a JSA usually breaks a particular job into steps and controls each step.
When should a HIRA be reviewed?
Review it after change, incidents or near misses, evidence of ineffective controls, new requirements, and at the organisation's defined periodic interval.
Related guidance and services
For site-specific support, see our workplace risk-assessment services.
