Union Approach to Health and Safety: - United Steelworkers

A set of “sticky dots” in 6 different colors, and
Activity Handout: Color Code for Workplace Hazards Mapping.
If participants are from more than one workplace, ask each group to choose one of the
workplaces represented in the group to map. If participants are all from one workplace,
have each group draw a particular department or area.
Explain that one participant should draw a floor-plan or map of the workplace or
department or section of a workplace, noting the following:
different areas or sections,
major pieces of machinery and equipment,
workstations and furniture,
storage areas,
doors and windows, and
where workers are located.
Next, hazards should be noted on the map by using the sticky dots according to the color
code. Read aloud the color code. Participants should think of all the injuries/illnesses and
stresses workers are experiencing, and identify the hazards causing those problems on
this map. Remind participants that hazards are anything in the workplace that can cause
or contribute to worker injury, illness or stress. Tell other participants in each group they
can help by asking questions about particular hazards that may be present.
Give small groups about 10 - 15 minutes to do their hazards/risk maps.
Then each group should tape their map to a wall where it can be seen by all participants.
Ask groups, one at a time, to summarize the range of hazards identified on their maps.
After each group has explained their map, ask them:
what are the main health and safety concerns?
where are people most injured or in pain?
where have there been changes in work process (in how the job is done)?
what are the concerns that affect the most people on the worksite?
Ask participants how they might go about prioritizing hazards for attention and
correction.
Once effective strategies are put in place to get a particular hazard eliminated, the
associated “sticky dots” can be removed from the map; as new hazards are identified,
“sticky dots” can be added to the map. The review and updating of the map is very
important as it allows workers to see the progress, or lack of progress, in correcting
hazards.