COMMON HAZARDS AT WORKPLACE
COMMON HAZARDS AT WORKPLACE
WHAT IS A HAZARD ?
A hazard is a risk or a potential for an adverse effect, especially to a person or their health. They can be of six types :
- Biological
- Chemical
- Physical
- Safety
- Ergonomic
- Psychosocial
Biological
Biological hazards include viruses, bacteria, insects, animals, etc., that can cause adverse health impacts. For example, mold, blood and other bodily fluids, harmful plants, sewage, dust and vermin.
Chemical
Chemical hazards are hazardous substances that can cause harm. These hazards can result in both health and physical impacts, such as skin irritation, respiratory system irritation, blindness, corrosion and explosions.
Physical
Physical hazards are environmental factors that can harm an employee without necessarily touching them, including heights, noise, radiation and pressure.
Safety
Safety hazards are those which create unsafe working conditions. For example, exposed wires or damaged mats and carpets cause tripping hazards. Safety hazards are sometimes included within physical hazards.
Ergonomic
Ergonomic hazards are a result of physical factors that can result in musculoskeletal injuries. For example, a poor workstation setup in an office, poor posture and manual handling.
Psychosocial
Psychosocial hazards include those that can have an adverse effect on an employee’s mental health or wellbeing. For example, sexual harassment, victimization, stress and workplace violence.
Comments
Post a Comment