Workplace Safety

 

Hazards

Hazards that cause accidents.

Hazard: A present or potential danger in the real world.
 

These dangers may be caused by:

    Machinery
    Substances
    Noise
    Work environment
    Work activities
    People

 
At work we are interested in hazards that potentially affect the health and safety of people in the workplace.
 

Risk:
A measure of the likelihood that the "hazard" will cause injuries or illness in the work place.

Exposure:
The term used to describe the amount of contact with the hazard and is measured in time, intensity or risk level.


 
 

There are many "hazards" in the workplace. Unsafe working conditions and practices that can cause injury or illnesses must be identified and action taken to remove them from the work place.

Some are more obvious than others.
 
For example, harmful fumes, gases or smoke can quickly build up in work areas and may reach unsafe levels before being detected.  Smoke detectors are an essential warning device.