Objective To initially establish an assessment method for inherent risk of occupational hazards at workplace exposed to chemicals.

Methods The assessment principles of hazard level, exposure level, and protective measure level were established according to the basic requirements of risk assessment for chemical hazards, domestic and foreign risk assessment standards for occupational hazards risk assessments, and occupational health investigation results in several production enterprises of different types and scales. Then the risk classification principles of occupational hazards at workplace exposed to chemicals were determined. Whether the method was scientific was validated through its application.

Results The method considered chemical hazard levels, exposure levels, and protective measures together. The risks of occupational hazards at workplace exposed to chemicals were classified into four levels:relative null, low, medium, and high. Appropriate actions would be taken to prevent occupational hazards according to different risk levels. Then the method was applied to assess inherent risk of occupational hazards of a proposed project containing chemicals exposure, and the risk level was identified as low.

Conclusion The method could be applied to assess inherent risk of occupational hazards at workplace exposed to chemicals, and the assessment results could provide a scientific basis for enterprises to take control measures against chemical hazards.