What is the purpose of conducting a workplace hazard assessment?

The purpose of conducting a workplace hazard assessment is fundamentally to identify potential hazards within the work environment and implement control measures aimed at minimizing risk. This proactive approach helps ensure the safety and health of employees, patients, and visitors in healthcare settings.

By systematically evaluating the workplace for physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards, organizations can recognize risks that could lead to accidents or health issues. Once identified, effective control measures—such as engineering controls, administrative changes, and personal protective equipment—can be put in place to mitigate these hazards. This process is integral to fostering a safe work environment and complying with regulatory requirements, as well as promoting overall workplace safety culture.

In contrast, other choices focus on peripheral aspects of workplace safety and operational efficiency rather than the central aim of reducing hazards directly. Compliance with insurance requirements is important but serves as a consequence of engaging in thorough hazard assessments rather than being the primary purpose. Training employees is essential for implementing safety protocols, but it doesn't address the assessment itself. Surveying patient satisfaction is crucial for service improvement but is unrelated to the specific goal of identifying and controlling workplace hazards. Thus, the emphasis in the correct choice is firmly on hazard identification and risk control, making it the most appropriate answer.