HIRA Generator – Complete Guide for Safety Professionals
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) is one of the most critical responsibilities of a safety officer. It ensures that workplace hazards are systematically identified, analyzed, and controlled to protect workers and maintain compliance. However, preparing HIRA documents manually in Excel or Word can be time-consuming, repetitive, and prone to human error.
To solve this challenge, we’ve developed a HIRA Generator Tool on 👉 The HSE Tools. This digital tool allows safety professionals to quickly create, preview, and download risk assessment reports in professional PDF format — saving time and improving accuracy.
👉 Try it now: HIRA Generator – The HSE Tools
🔹 What is a HIRA?
A Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) is a structured process used in occupational health and safety. It helps organizations systematically:
- Identify hazards related to a task or activity.
- Assess the level of risk (likelihood × severity).
- Implement control measures to eliminate or minimize risks.
- Document findings for legal compliance, audits, and training.
Example:
- Task: Excavation work
- Hazards: Trench collapse, falling objects, equipment collision
- Consequences: Serious injury, fatality, property damage
- Controls: Shoring, barricading, safe access, supervision
- Risk Rating: High → reduced to Low after applying controls
👉 Clients, auditors, and regulatory authorities use HIRA documents to ensure compliance with OSHA, ISO 45001, and ILO guidelines.
🔹 Format of a HIRA
A standard HIRA document usually includes:
- Activity/Task Description – What work is being carried out.
- Hazard Identification – Possible hazards linked to the activity.
- Consequences – Potential outcomes if the hazard occurs.
- Likelihood & Severity – Ratings to assess the level of risk.
- Risk Matrix – A 5×5 matrix to calculate risk rating.
- Control Measures – Existing and additional controls.
- Final Risk Rating – After applying control measures.
- Approval Section – Safety officer’s name, date, and signature.
🔹 HIRA Generator Tool
We’ve built a HIRA Generator Tool on 👉 The HSE Tools.
✅ Features:
- Simple online form to enter activity, hazards, and controls.
- Built-in 5×5 risk matrix to calculate risk ratings.
- Auto risk classification (Low, Medium, High, Extreme).
- Checklist of common hazards for quick selection.
- Preloaded templates for common activities (Excavation, Scaffolding, Hot Work, Confined Space, etc.).
- Live preview option before generating the report.
- Export to professional PDF format with automatic risk matrix and color coding.
- Works on desktop and mobile devices.
👉 Try it here: HIRA Generator – The HSE Tools
🔹 Example of HIRA Entry
Activity: Scaffolding Erection
- Hazards:
- Fall from height
- Falling objects
- Collapse of structure
- Electrical contact
- Consequences:
- Major injury
- Fatality
- Property damage
- Likelihood: Likely
- Severity: Major
- Risk Rating: 15 → High
- Controls:
- Provide PPE (Full Body Harness, Helmet, Safety Shoes)
- Erect scaffolding under competent supervision
- Ensure scaffolding is tagged and inspected
- Maintain exclusion zone below working area
👉 Final Risk Rating after controls = Medium (6)
The report can then be exported in PDF format with professional layout for client submission.
🔹 Benefits of Using the HIRA Generator
- Saves Time: No need to manually build Excel tables and formulas.
- Professional Format: Client-ready PDF in one click.
- Error-Free: Automated risk calculation and matrix.
- Consistency: Standardized format across all projects.
- Training Resource: Perfect for NEBOSH, OSHA, IOSH, and ADIS students.
- Audit Ready: Accepted by clients and auditors for compliance.
🔹 Understanding the 5×5 Risk Matrix
The HIRA Generator uses a standard 5×5 Risk Matrix to calculate risk ratings.
| Likelihood | Severity | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Rare (1) | Minor (1–2) | Low (1–4) |
| Possible (2–3) | Moderate (3–4) | Medium (5–10) |
| Likely (3–4) | Major (4–5) | High (11–15) |
| Almost Certain (5) | Fatal (5) | Extreme (16–25) |
👉 The tool automatically colors the risk rating (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) for quick interpretation.
🔹 Case Studies
Case 1: Excavation Work
Hazards: Trench collapse, equipment movement.
Controls: Shoring, safe access, flagmen.
Result: Risk reduced from High (15) to Low (4).
Case 2: Hot Work in Oil & Gas
Hazards: Sparks, fire, explosion.
Controls: Fire extinguishers, fire watch, gas detection.
Result: Risk reduced from Extreme (20) to Medium (8).
Case 3: Confined Space Entry
Hazards: Oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, limited escape.
Controls: Gas monitoring, permit-to-work, rescue plan.
Result: Risk reduced from Extreme (25) to Medium (9).
🔹 Manual HIRA vs. HIRA Generator
| Aspect | Manual HIRA (Excel/Word) | HIRA Generator Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Time Taken | 1–2 hours per activity | 10–15 minutes |
| Accuracy | Error-prone formulas | Auto-calculated |
| Report Format | Varies project to project | Standardized PDF |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Very Easy |
| Accessibility | Local device only | Online, any device |
🔹 FAQs on HIRA
Q1. Who prepares the HIRA?
👉 Usually the safety officer or engineer responsible for site safety.
Q2. Is HIRA mandatory?
👉 Yes, most clients and legal authorities require documented risk assessments before work begins.
Q3. Can I customize the HIRA?
👉 Yes, the HIRA Generator allows you to add hazards, controls, and activities.
Q4. Can I download the HIRA in PDF?
👉 Yes, the generator tool provides instant PDF download.
Q5. Does it follow international standards?
👉 Yes, it is based on OSHA, ISO 45001, and ILO guidelines.
🔹 Conclusion
The Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) is a vital process to ensure workplace safety and compliance. Traditionally, preparing HIRA documents manually was time-consuming and error-prone, but with our HIRA Generator Tool, safety professionals can create fast, accurate, and professional risk assessments in minutes.
👉 Try it here: HIRA Generator – The HSE Tools
🔗 External References
Monthly Safety Report Generator – Complete Guide for Safety Professionals
Weekly Safety Report Generator – Complete Guide for Safety Professionals
Daily Safety Report Generator – Complete Guide for Safety Professionals
