What is Hazard?
A hazard is any source that has enough potential can cause harm, damage, or adverse health effects on individuals, property, or the environment. Hazards can arise from various sources and take many forms, depending on the context. Hazards are not the same as risks. Risk refers to the likelihood of the hazard causing harm, coupled with the severity of the potential consequences.
Effective hazard management involves identifying hazards, assessing the associated risks, and implementing controls to eliminate or mitigate them.
Types of Hazard
1. Physical Hazard
The hazards that are directly related to contact with your body and can affect your body like hitting any object, or falling from a height. Include machinery, electrical equipment, noise, and slips or trips.
Examples:
- Electricity and Electrical equipment
- Wet or greasy floors
- Moving machinery and uncovering parts
- Hot surfaces and allergic material surfaces
- Sharp edges tools and equipment
2. Environmental Hazard
The hazards that are related to your listening, smelling, feeling, and hesitating in your workplace are called environmental hazards.
Examples:
- Smoke and fog
- Extreme Noise
- Vibration
- Radiation
- Extreme temperatures
3. Chemical Hazard
Arise from exposure to harmful chemicals such as toxic substances, flammable materials, or corrosive agents. That is harmful to the health.
Examples:
- Inhaling fumes from cleaning products
4. Biological Hazards
Caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that can lead to diseases.
Examples:
- Exposure to contaminated water or infectious diseases.
5. Ergonomic Hazards
Related to workplace design and can lead to musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive tasks, improper posture, or poor workstation setup.
Examples:
- Poorly adjusted chairs lead to back pain.
6. Psychological Hazards
Stem from stress, workplace harassment, or other factors affecting mental health.
Examples:
- High job demands and lack of support from management.
7. Natural Hazards
Resulting from natural events such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or wildfires.
Examples:
1. Living in a flood-prone area.