Workplace Hazard

What Does Workplace Hazard Mean?

A workplace hazard refers to a situation within the workplace that has the potential to cause injury or adverse health effects for people and damage to the plant and/or equipment. Hazards are present at every workplace and come from a wide number of sources. Identifying and eliminating them is a major component of maintaining a safe workplace.

Safeopedia Explains Workplace Hazard

General examples of workplace hazards include any substance, material, activity or process that has the potential to cause harm or injury under specific conditions. A common way of identifying workplace hazards is to classify them into various categories:

• Biological: These include viruses, bacteria, animals, plants, insects and also humans
• Chemical: These include various chemicals, liquids and solvents. The hazard associated with them depend on their physical properties and whether they are toxic, irritants, corrosives or mutagens
• Mechanical: The hazards caused by the moving parts of machinery, plant or an equipment
• Psychological: Stress, harassment and violence
• Physical: Exposure to noise, vibrations, radiation or a magnetic field
• Ergonomic: Improper posture, repetitive movements, improper arrangement of workplace