A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm, which can be either mild to moderate bodily injury or loss of life. A simple example would be a slippery floor, which leads to either slipping or falling. Most slip and fall cases are considered severe, as they can lead to concussions, fractures, or closed head injuries.
Here is a rundown of the types of hazards, along with their examples:
Safety Hazards: These types of hazards can compromise your safety, leading to minor or complicated problems. Examples of safety hazards include wet floors, exposed electrical cords, or malfunctioning equipment.
Biological Hazards: Microorganisms or pathogens with the ability to harm or cause disease are referred to as biological hazards. A common example would be the presence of viruses or animal waste found in drinking water, which would be considered a biological hazard.
Physical Hazards: These include naturally occurring factors within the environment that possess the ability to cause harm. Typically, a landslide or a tsunami would fall under this category. Other examples include excessive noise, severe temperatures, or radiation.
Ergonomic Hazards: These refer to the components that arise due to the incompatibility of the work environment and the human body, potentially resulting in musculoskeletal disorders. A modern example would be improper workstation design, commonly found in sedentary jobs.
Chemical Hazards: Conditions or complications that occur due to the exposure of reactive chemicals are called chemical hazards. Solvents, flammable gases, or toxic substances fall under this category.
Some less commonly thought of hazards can include things like the behavior of employees. If they are not following proper safety policies, their actions could cause serious injury to those in the area, which is a major hazard. Taking the time to identify all hazards in your workplace will help you develop a proper safety standard for the area. At Creative Safety Supply, we provide safety products that empower you to combat these hazards with efficiency.
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