What Are Hazard Identification Examples in Utilities and Construction?
In utilities and construction, the most serious injuries often follow the same pattern: the hazard was there, but no one saw it in time.
Hazard identification is the first and most important step in any safety plan. It’s about seeing the risk before it turns into an incident. And under OSHA’s General Duty Clause, it’s also the law: employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
But what does good hazard identification actually look like?
The examples below walk through seven real-world scenarios. Each one shows how a team identified a hazard before the task started and what steps they took to control it. Use these examples to improve your planning, train your crews, or stress-test your process.
Because in 2026, safety doesn’t start with PPE. It starts with what you see, and what you miss.
1. Roofer Working Near an Unprotected Edge
A residential roofing crew is getting ready to start work just five feet from an open edge. During the pre-task review, the supervisor notices there are no guardrails, no warning lines, and the fall protection gear hasn’t arrived yet.
This is a clear fall hazard, the leading cause of death in construction. Falls account for nearly 40% of all construction-related fatalities. Under OSHA 1926.20, employers are required to inspect job sites and identify hazards like this before work begins. By catching the issue during planning, the team has time to hold the start of work, install proper edge protection, and make sure fall systems are in place. That’s what proactive hazard identification looks like.
2. Boom Lift Operated Near Overhead Power Lines
A boom lift is scheduled to operate just 10 feet from overhead power lines. During the site review, the safety lead notices there are no warning signs, no spotter assigned, and no minimum approach distances marked.
In 2023, a worker in Kentucky was electrocuted under these exact conditions, according to a NIOSH FACE report. That’s why OSHA requires these hazards to be identified and controlled before equipment is brought on site. That means flagging line locations on the site plan, marking safe distances, and assigning trained spotters for any lifts near energized conductors.
3. Arc Flash Hazard in Substation Maintenance
Before racking a breaker at a substation, a technician pauses the task after realizing there’s no posted arc flash boundary and no one is wearing arc-rated PPE. A review shows no arc flash assessment was completed for the task. Without the right assessment and PPE, the crew is at serious risk for burns or worse.
Under OSHA 1910.269, employers must perform arc flash hazard assessments and provide clear protective measures when energized parts are exposed. Identifying this gap before switching begins allows the team to stop, reassess the risk, and gear up properly.
4. Journeyman Lineman Exposed After Cover Slips
Before starting live-line work on a system, a journeyman lineman checks the setup and notices a line cover isn’t seated securely over a jumper. If it shifts during the task, it could expose energized components.
This is exactly the kind of hazard that can be missed if crews trust that “controls are in place” without verifying how reliable they are. Effective hazard identification means looking beyond surface-level checks. It’s not enough to see a cover, it has to be inspected for placement, condition, and whether it’ll hold up under real field conditions.
5. Excavation Work Near Underground Utilities
Before trenching begins, the crew does a final walkthrough of the marked area. A supervisor questions the utility locate markings and finds that they haven’t been updated. No one has verified depth or called in fresh locates. This pause may have just prevented a serious line strike.
Pre-job hazard identification also includes confirming what’s actually underground. Every excavation should start with updated utility locates, depth verification, and a clear plan for what to do if conditions change during the dig.
6. Confined Space Entry Without Air Monitoring
While preparing for manhole cable inspections, the crew flags the space as permit-required and begins atmospheric testing. The monitor alarms, showing low oxygen and the presence of hydrogen sulfide. That’s why confined space hazards can’t be judged by sight or smell.
OSHA classifies manholes as high-risk due to atmospheric hazards, restricted egress, and potential engulfment. Identifying this hazard before entry gives the crew time to ventilate the space, recheck gas levels, and confirm that rescue plans are ready.
7. Crane Setup Near a Slope on a Shared Jobsite
On a busy job site, a crane is being set up near an excavation. During the morning coordination meeting, a supervisor raises concern about soft soil near the slope. No one had flagged it during the initial lift planning. This single observation changes the setup plan.
Crane hazards aren’t limited to what’s overhead. Ground conditions are just as critical. OSHA’s guidance on multiemployer worksites highlights the need for coordination and shared responsibility when conditions shift or equipment is moved. Spotting this hazard early allows the team to reposition the crane, shore the soil, and ensure stability before any lifting begins.
How Field1st Helps You Identify Hazards Before They Harm
Every example above has one thing in common: the hazard was caught before someone got hurt. That’s what strong safety programs do, they build systems where crews can spot risks, speak up, and take action in time. Field1st is designed to support that exact process.
Our platform turns hazard identification into a fast, reliable daily routine with tools like:
- Voice1st Data Capture, so workers can report hazards on the go
- AI-powered image recognition to spot risks in field photos
- Live monitoring of inspections, JHAs, and observations
- Co-Pilot AI, trained on OSHA and your own procedures, to help supervisors make safer decisions faster
With Field1st, hazard identification becomes a daily habit, quick, reliable, and built around how your team actually works. See it for yourself. Book a demo and find out how Field1st can help your team prevent the next incident before it happens.
FAQ
What is an example of hazard identification in construction?
A common example is identifying a fall risk during pre-task planning, such as when a roofing crew prepares to work near an unprotected edge. If no guardrails or fall protection are in place, the crew pauses work until proper controls are set up. This type of hazard identification helps prevent one of the leading causes of construction fatalities.
How do you identify electrical hazards on job sites?
Electrical hazards are identified during site planning and equipment setup. For example, spotting overhead power lines before positioning a boom lift is critical. Employers should mark minimum approach distances, use warning signs, and assign spotters. OSHA requires these steps to control known electrical risks before work begins.
Why is hazard identification important in utilities work?
Hazard identification prevents serious injuries in high-risk environments like confined spaces, substations, and live electrical systems. By identifying risks, such as low oxygen levels, unsecured line covers, or arc flash exposure, before the task begins, crews can put the right controls in place and avoid incidents.
What are OSHA’s requirements for hazard identification?
OSHA requires employers to assess workplaces for hazards under several standards, including the General Duty Clause and specific regulations like 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1) and 1926.20. Employers must identify recognized hazards and implement controls to protect workers before tasks begin.
How can technology improve hazard identification on job sites?
Technology helps teams identify hazards faster and more consistently. Tools like Field1st use voice-enabled reporting, AI image analysis, and real-time monitoring of safety forms. These features help crews spot risks earlier, apply controls sooner, and improve compliance with OSHA standards.
