Hazards
Hazards are anything that can cause harm.
Hazards can take many forms, from physical dangers like slips and trips to chemical or biological risks, and even psychosocial factors like workplace stress. Recognising and addressing these hazards is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Chemical
Exposure to hazardous substances such as toxic fumes, acids, or cleaning agents.
Biology
Contact with harmful bacteria, viruses, or pathogens, often leading to illness or infection.
Ergonomics
Poor posture, repetitive tasks, or uncomfortable workstations leading to musculoskeletal injuries.
Physical Hazards
Includes noise, vibration, extreme temperatures, and radiation exposure.
Electricity
Risks such as faulty wiring, exposed electrical components, or overloaded circuits.
Safety
General hazards like poorly maintained equipment, improper signage, or unsafe work practices.
Psychosocial Hazards
Workplace stress, bullying, harassment, or feeling overwhelmed at work.
Slips and Trips
Uneven surfaces, wet floors, or cluttered walkways causing falls.
Confined Spaces
Limited access areas that pose risks of asphyxiation, toxic gas exposure, or entrapment.
Noise
Exposure to loud or persistent noise levels causing hearing damage or fatigue.
Working at Heights
Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or unguarded edges.
Asbestos
Inhalation of asbestos fibers leading to severe health risks, including lung disease.
Bullying
Hostile or abusive behaviors that harm employees' mental health and morale.
Environmental Hazards
Extreme weather conditions, pollution, or natural disasters affecting safety.
Excavation
Collapsing trenches, falling debris, or striking underground utilities.
Fatigue
Reduced alertness and performance caused by overwork or lack of rest.
Feeling Overwhelmed at Work
Workload pressures that lead to stress, reduced productivity, or burnout.
Flammable Materials
Storage or handling of substances that can easily ignite, like fuels or solvents.
Frequent Lifting
Repetitive or heavy lifting causing strain or injury.
Hazardous Exposures
Contact with toxic substances, radiation, or infectious agents.
Hazardous Manual Tasks
Tasks requiring forceful exertions or awkward postures, leading to injury.
Mold
Exposure to mold spores, causing respiratory or allergic reactions.
Physics
Work involving dangerous forces like pressure systems, moving machinery, or falling objects.
Poorly Designed Workstations
Workspaces that cause discomfort, inefficiency, or injury due to bad design.