This poster breaks hazard mapping into three simple actions: Find it, Mark it, Manage it.

 This poster breaks hazard mapping into three simple actions: Find it, Mark it, Manage it.

What Is Hazard Mapping?

Hazard mapping is the process of identifying hazards in a workplace, site, or facility and showing exactly where they are on a map or layout.

Instead of keeping hazards only in a written risk assessment that few people read, you put them on a visual plan that anyone can understand at a glance.

Why It Matters

The poster lists five reasons:

Helps prevent accidents and incidents. People can see danger before they walk into it.

Supports effective risk control. You can see where controls are needed most.

Improves safety awareness. New workers, visitors, and contractors learn the site faster.

Ensures compliance with HSE requirements. It shows hazards have been identified and communicated.

Creates a safer workplace for everyone. Safety becomes shared and visible, not just paperwork.

Reading the Example Map

The middle section shows a worksite layout with symbols placed where the hazard actually is. The red dashed line is the site boundary, and the arrow at the top left shows north.

Crane area on the left: Marked with a fall hazard symbol, because of lifting operations and work around height.

Workshop / Maintenance Area at the top: Marked with an electrical hazard symbol.

Chemical drums at the top right: Marked with a fire / flammable symbol.

Large white tank on the right: Marked with a chemical hazard symbol.

Excavation pit at the bottom left: Marked with a fall hazard symbol and fenced off.

Forklift in the centre: Marked with a general hazard symbol, for moving equipment and pedestrian interaction.

Assembly Point at the bottom right: Marked in green, showing where everyone should gather in an emergency.

The legend on the right explains each symbol, so the map works even if someone has never seen it before.

Common Hazards to Map

The bottom left lists eight hazards that appear on most sites:

Work at Height: Roofs, scaffolds, ladders, and open edges.

Moving Equipment: Forklifts, cranes, trucks, and plant movement.

Slips, Trips and Falls: Uneven ground, cables, wet floors, and excavations.

Fire / Explosion: Fuel, gas, flammable liquids, and ignition sources.

Chemical Exposure: Storage areas, tanks, drums, and handling points.

Electrical Hazards: Panels, cables, workshops, and temporary supplies.

Excavation Hazards: Trenches, pits, and unstable ground.

Radiation: Sources used in testing, medical, or industrial work.

How to Create a Hazard Map

The poster gives a five step method:

1. Walk through the workplace or site. Do not make the map from an office desk.

2. Identify all potential hazards. Look for what could harm people, property, or the environment.

3. Mark the hazards on a map or layout. Put the symbol in the exact location, not just in a general area.

4. Use standard symbols and colours. Yellow triangles for warning, red for fire / flammable, green for safe places like assembly points.

5. Review and update regularly. Update it when the layout changes, new work starts, or a new hazard appears.

Key Benefits

When it is done well, a hazard map helps you:

Prevent accidents and injuries. People avoid or control hazards before work starts.

Control risks effectively. You can prioritise the highest risk areas.

Plan safe work activities. Supervisors can brief teams using the map.

Communicate hazards clearly. It works across language and literacy barriers.

Build a strong safety culture. Safety becomes something people can see and discuss daily.

The bottom line of the poster is the main message: a well-mapped workplace is a safer workplace. 🌡️🏗️🚧🗼🚦⚠️⛑️🚨🚥🦺