Examples of workplace hazards

Examples of workplace hazards [∞]

When performing a safety analysis, it's important to know what hazards are present in your environment and minimize their risks. Here are some examples of workplace hazards:

Tools

Proper tool storage can help prevent tripping hazards and accidental injuries. It may also help keep your worksite or workspace more organized. Learning how to handle power tools and heavy equipment properly may reduce the likelihood of work hazards on the job.Related: 5 Signs You’re in a Toxic Work Environment and How To Handle It

Chemical agents

Chemical agents such as paints, paint thinners, solvents, and cleaning supplies present a unique hazard because they're often liquids and can be flammable. Chemical agents can cause a variety of health effects such as chemical burns, trouble breathing or fire. Some examples include industrial cleaning solutions like bleach and ammonia or solvents. Proper storage and use of chemical agents helps mitigate hazards.

Heights

Construction occupations may require employees to work on ladders or scaffolding, far above ground level. Falls may be one of the most common workplace hazards associated with heights. Continuous awareness and attention to safety procedures can help prevent incidents while working at different heights.

Biological hazards

Biological hazards are things like disease, illnesses, blood and bodily fluids, fungi or mold, poisonous flowers and plants or anything else that occurs naturally and presents a hazard to humans. This is a concern in industries such as healthcare and in scientific settings like labs. Construction and labor professions may also experience these types of hazards if they or a coworker become injured on the job. Wearing recommended safety equipment or treating injuries like cuts and abrasions immediately may help reduce exposure to biological hazards.

Physical hazards

Physical hazards can include extreme temperatures, loud noises and radiation. Those who work in fields such as landscaping, construction and other jobs that operate outdoors may experience temperature and weather hazards. Extreme temperatures may cause sunburn, frostbite and heat stroke. Loud equipment can cause hearing damage or impairment. Healthcare employees such as radiologists or X-ray technicians may work around radiation. Wearing proper safety equipment or seasonally appropriate attire, as well as paying attention to your body's physical changes, may help prevent side effects from physical hazards.

Operational hazards

These are hazards that are related specifically to work processes and how they're performed. This can include lifting heavy objects, standing on unsteady surfaces or operating vehicles or machines. People who work in most professions have the potential for operational hazards, such as those in construction, shipping and delivery, healthcare, food service and education. Understanding your limits, staying physically fit and being aware of your surroundings may help prevent risks associated with operational hazards, such as falls and strained muscles.

Clutter

Clutter is a hazard that can affect any work environment. Clutter in walkways or footpaths may cause trips or falls. Reinforcing strong organizational habits in the office or on the job site may prevent incidents and extend the usefulness lifespan of certain equipment.

Electrical hazards

Electrical hazards can include things like frayed cords, wiring, conductors and extension cords. Cords present both a tripping hazard and an electrical hazard. Conducting regular electrical safety inspections and practicing cord management organizational tactics may minimize tripping hazards and prevent unexpected electrical malfunctions.

Water

Water may be a workplace hazard if it reaches boiling or freezing temperatures or if it interacts with electrical components such as water or technology devices. Construction and food service occupations can experience water hazards from working outdoors in certain weather or using it when cooking or cleaning equipment. Consider cleaning up spills as they occur, monitoring water temperatures or following weather safety guidelines to eliminate these hazards.

Fire

Fire is a versatile hazard with several causes, including:

   Lightning or other electrical problems
   Natural occurrences like wildfires
   Improper chemical storage
   High temperatures that cause equipment to malfunction and overheat
   Improper use of tools or equipment such as blowtorches or asphalt torches

Tools like fire extinguishers, alarms and proper signage may help mitigate fire hazards. Consider practicing proper storage of combustible materials and fire drills to ensure employee safety in the workplace.