In the workplace, there are several types of hazards. Hazards are prevalent in all workplaces whether you are using machinery, dealing with chemicals, working with people, or even working in poor lighting. These hazards are categorized into five groups: physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic and psychosocial.
Physical Hazards
Physical hazards include unsafe machines and environmental conditions. Physical hazards are the most common of the five types of hazards and include injuries that could cause injury or death. Examples are unguarded machine parts like saw blades, constant noise, high exposure to sun, frayed electrical cords, exposed moving parts, spills and tripping hazards.
Biological Hazards
Biological hazards are produced by living things. They often come from working with people/animals and infectious plant material. Examples include blood, viruses animal and bird droppings, bacteria, bodily fluids and insect bites.
Chemical Hazards
Chemical hazards include materials that are flammable, explosive or poisonous. These hazards may occur when you are exposed to chemical substances at work.
Examples are cleaning products, pesticides, gasoline, solvents, vapours and fumes, carbon monoxide and other gases and flammable materials.
Examples are cleaning products, pesticides, gasoline, solvents, vapours and fumes, carbon monoxide and other gases and flammable materials.
Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomic Hazards are caused by poorly designed workplaces or processes. They occur when your working conditions and/or your repetitive body movements put strain on your body. These type of hazards are one of the most difficult ones to identify because they are not easily seen as they may begin to cause damage to your health over a period of time.
Examples are poor lighting, or a job that requires you to repeat the same movement over and over.
Examples are poor lighting, or a job that requires you to repeat the same movement over and over.
Psychosocial Hazards
Psychosocial hazards are caused by stress and violence. Having conflicts with co-workers and the manager, having trouble keeping up with activities or working in poor conditions are some examples of either stress or violence factors in the workplace. Psychosocial hazards can potentially lead to decreased mental and physical stability/capability, aggression and insecurity. These hazards need to be recognized early to prevent further stress and violence from developing.
Stress Factors: Violence:
-Conflict with manager or co-workers -Threats
-Poor working conditions -Harassment
-Heavy workloads -Assault
Stress Factors: Violence:
-Conflict with manager or co-workers -Threats
-Poor working conditions -Harassment
-Heavy workloads -Assault
Below is an information video concerning biological, chemical, and psychological hazards in the workplace.