Identifying High Energy Hazards: Building a Culture of Vigilance
Safety isn’t simply the absence of incidents — it’s the presence of strong, visible controls.
On Day 2 of Construction Safety Week 2025, the focus is clear: we must go beyond compliance checklists and prioritise the identification and control of high-energy hazards on every jobsite.
These hazards — often referred to as Stuff That Could Kill You (STCKY) — are responsible for the most serious injuries and fatalities in construction.
What Are High Energy Hazards?
High energy hazards are conditions where significant energy sources can cause severe harm if not properly controlled. These include:
- Gravity (falls from height, dropped objects)
- Mechanical (moving parts, vehicles, heavy machinery)
- Electrical (live wires, arc flashes)
- Chemical (flammable, explosive, or corrosive substances)
- Pressure (compressed gas, hydraulics)
Even in a well-organised site, these energies are present — and without the right controls, they can be fatal.
Key takeaway: If it can kill, it must be controlled.
How to Identify High Energy Hazards
The first step is deliberate, team-driven hazard identification during both planning and execution stages.
Use these simple but powerful methods:
| Tool/Technique | Purpose | Why It Matters |
| Energy Wheel | Visually identifies types of hazardous energy on-site | Makes unseen dangers visible |
| Pre-Task Risk Assessments | Spot high-risk activities before work begins | Allows control measures to be discussed and confirmed |
| Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHA) | Quick re-assessments when site conditions change | Ensures dynamic hazards are not overlooked |
Tip: Encourage your teams to ask, “What’s the worst that could happen here?” during every task briefing.
Controlling High Energy Hazards: Before Work Starts
Effective control isn’t reactive — it must be planned and verified before work begins.
Apply the Hierarchy of Risk Control to each high-energy hazard:
- Eliminate the hazard if possible (e.g., build offsite).
- Substitute with a safer method or material.
- Engineer controls (e.g., guardrails, machine guards).
- Administrative controls (training, permits, procedures).
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — last line of defence.
Work must never start until it’s clear how each STCKY hazard will be controlled, verified, and communicated to all affected team members.
Building a Culture of Vigilance
Spotting and controlling high-energy hazards isn’t the job of one person. It’s a collective responsibility that starts with leadership and is reinforced every day by frontline teams.
Simple ways to encourage vigilance:
- Daily safety standdowns focusing on real examples.
- Rewarding proactive hazard identification.
- Sharing lessons learned from near-misses.
Key takeaway: Everyone should feel responsible for recognising and speaking up about high-energy hazards — not just supervisors.
Caring for Your Team Means Eliminating STCKY Hazards
By focusing on high-energy hazards early and persistently, you demonstrate real care for your team’s lives and livelihoods.
True safety is not about ticking boxes — it’s about making dangerous conditions impossible.
Plan, Own, Commit, and Go All In together.
Need help implementing High Energy Hazard identification systems on your site?
Hurst Setter supports construction companies across the UK in building stronger, safer workplaces. We’re ready to help you protect your team.
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