342 Essential to an effective occupational health and safety program is a thorough and comprehen- sive assessment of the work and work environment. Such assessment makes possible the identi- fication of actual and potential work-related hazards to which workers might be exposed. To identify such hazards, the OHN must be fully aware of all worker jobs and demands, work processes, and aspects of the work environment. A team approach to conducting the assess- ment can add valuable insight and information and can increase collaboration among disci- plines, management, and workers to work toward effective and efficient approaches to hazard abatement. Among the important components for a worksite assessment are: ● Understanding of management commitment to worker health and safety ● Knowledge of the work, work processes, related hazards, and workforce characteristics ● Review of existing occupational health and safety programs ● Conducting of a worksite walk-through including observation of workers and control strategies ● Recommendations for hazard abatement and health and safety improvement The Worksite Assessment Guide on page 341 can be adapted to serve as a valuable aid in over- all occupational health and safety program evaluation. The guide provides an overall frame- work in which to address the foregoing components. It enables the OHN to use a prevention orientation in conducting a comprehensive and systematic approach to hazard identification and abatement. The guide can serve as a template for preparing a written report of findings and recommendations. Other worksite evaluation guides are available such as the program evalua- tion profile (PEP) found at www.osha.gov. Worksite Assessment Guideline continues on next page