Hazards exist in every workplace. The important thing is that these hazards are identified and mitigated, in order to minimize the probability of an accident or injury occurring. Hazard identification is a process used to assess the potential of a certain environment or activity to inflict harm on an individual. A risk assessment needs to be done to determine the level of danger associated with each scenario. Once a risk assessment has been conducted, a company will be able to determine techniques to either eliminate or mitigate the hazards identified.
Hazard identifications should be carried out regularly, especially during the performance of new processes. This could mean any time that an organization is trying something that differs from everyday activities, purchasing different machinery, or implementing a new procedure. Hazards should also be identified before performing a task, as well. This might include double-checking that equipment is functioning properly and that a worker’s surroundings are secure. While tasks are being performed, employees should be conscious of any changes in their environment and if an incident occurs, it is important to identify the hazards that were responsible. Even in the event of a ‘near miss’, it’s important to recognize what could have caused an accident in order to prevent that situation from happening in the future.
Hazards can generally be classified into categories: biological, chemical, ergonomic, physical, psychological, and safety. Biological hazards may be associated with bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, animals, or birds. Chemical hazards result from working with various dangerous or poisonous substances. Ergonomic hazards stem from repetitive movements, poor workplace posture, and other workstation related injuries. Physical hazards are relevant in situations where there may be extreme pressures, noise, physical threats, and other risks that have the potential to cause physical harm to an individual. Psychological hazards relate to stress, violence, and/or trauma. And lastly, safety hazards broadly encompass trips, falls, equipment malfunctions, and hazards that commonly occur in the workplace.
Explanation:
Common hazardous substances in the workplace
acids
caustic substances
disinfectants
glues
heavy metals, including mercury, lead, cadmium and aluminium
Answers & Comments
Answer:
IDENTIFYING WORKPLACE RISKS AND HAZARDS
Hazards exist in every workplace. The important thing is that these hazards are identified and mitigated, in order to minimize the probability of an accident or injury occurring. Hazard identification is a process used to assess the potential of a certain environment or activity to inflict harm on an individual. A risk assessment needs to be done to determine the level of danger associated with each scenario. Once a risk assessment has been conducted, a company will be able to determine techniques to either eliminate or mitigate the hazards identified.
Hazard identifications should be carried out regularly, especially during the performance of new processes. This could mean any time that an organization is trying something that differs from everyday activities, purchasing different machinery, or implementing a new procedure. Hazards should also be identified before performing a task, as well. This might include double-checking that equipment is functioning properly and that a worker’s surroundings are secure. While tasks are being performed, employees should be conscious of any changes in their environment and if an incident occurs, it is important to identify the hazards that were responsible. Even in the event of a ‘near miss’, it’s important to recognize what could have caused an accident in order to prevent that situation from happening in the future.
Hazards can generally be classified into categories: biological, chemical, ergonomic, physical, psychological, and safety. Biological hazards may be associated with bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, animals, or birds. Chemical hazards result from working with various dangerous or poisonous substances. Ergonomic hazards stem from repetitive movements, poor workplace posture, and other workstation related injuries. Physical hazards are relevant in situations where there may be extreme pressures, noise, physical threats, and other risks that have the potential to cause physical harm to an individual. Psychological hazards relate to stress, violence, and/or trauma. And lastly, safety hazards broadly encompass trips, falls, equipment malfunctions, and hazards that commonly occur in the workplace.
Explanation:
Common hazardous substances in the workplace
acids
caustic substances
disinfectants
glues
heavy metals, including mercury, lead, cadmium and aluminium
paint
pesticides
petroleum products
solvents.