What is the main goal of conducting a hazard analysis in a manufacturing setting?

The main goal of conducting a hazard analysis in a manufacturing setting is to identify potential workplace hazards. This process is critical in ensuring a safe working environment, as it involves systematically examining the workplace to uncover any risks that could potentially harm employees or affect operations. By identifying these hazards, appropriate measures can be implemented to mitigate or eliminate them, thereby enhancing safety and compliance with safety regulations.

In addition, recognizing workplace hazards is foundational for creating a culture of safety, engaging employees in safety practices, and ensuring that safety protocols are actively applied. It lays the groundwork for developing safety training programs and emergency response strategies, making it essential for risk management in manufacturing environments.

The other options focus on areas like employee performance, market competition, and product design, which are important aspects of business operations but do not directly relate to the primary objective of hazard analysis. Hence, the emphasis on identifying potential hazards highlights its critical role in safeguarding both workers and the operational integrity of the manufacturing process.