HAZARD

The most common definition of hazard is ‘a danger or risk’ that

is associated with something. The hazard has to be able to cause
some type of harm or potential harm to either a person or
something else in the area.

Something can even be considered a hazard if it would be a

trigger for causing another hazard to become present, which
could hurt someone or something in the area.

When discussing workplace safety there can be hundreds of

different hazards that are present and must be planned for.
Minimizing the number and severity of hazards in a facility will
help to keep everyone as safe as possible, and ensure the facility
can remain actively working as much as possible.
Prepared by: Gaudencio Boniceli Jr.
 Evaluating Hazards in the Workplace
When evaluating hazards in the workplace one of the first things that needs
to be done is to have the hazard classified. The response to a danger will be
significantly different based on the type of hazard that is present. Some
examples of different classification of hazards:

•Fire Hazards – Anything that has the potential to catch on fire, or cause
something else to catch on fire.
•Biological Hazards – Products that can be dangerous to living things. This
could be something that will result in an illness or cause other biological
problems.
•Chemical Hazards – Dangerous chemicals that can have reactions that are
dangerous are seen to be very hazardous.
•Physical Hazards – Anything that has the potential to cause physical
damage or injury.
There are, of course, a lot of other classifications that can be used to
categorize hazards. It is even possible for one thing to have multiple
hazards associated with it. For example, if something has the potential to
explode it would be classified as a fire hazard as well as a physical hazard.
Properly categorizing hazards will help ensure everyone in the area is aware
of the risk, and knows how to best
TYPES OF HAZARDS
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
 Chemical hazards  Over 400 million tons of hazardous waste
are produced every year, with the
 A hazardous chemical can be a majority of those coming from industrial
solid, liquid or gas. It can be a worksites such as fabric manufacturers,
pesticide production, and electroplating
pure substance, consisting of operations. And because so many job
one ingredient, or a mixture of sites are the source of these materials, a
substances. countless number of employees are
exposed to extremely hazardous
 It can harm the health of a substances every day. Below is a list of
10 of the most hazardous chemicals
person who is exposed to it. found in the workplace and their
associated health risks.
Ten Hazardous Chemicals You Might Encounter
on the Job
ERGONOMIC HAZARD
 Ergonomic hazards
 Ergonomic hazards are physical factors in the
environment that may cause musculoskeletal
injuries.
SAFETY HAZARD
 SAFETY HAZARDS: These are the most
common and will be present in most
workplaces at one time or another. They
include unsafe conditions that can cause
injury, illness and death
  BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS: Associated with working with animals, people, or infectious

SAFETY HAZARD plant materials. Work in schools, day care facilities, colleges and universities, hospitals,
laboratories, emergency response, nursing homes, outdoor occupations, etc. may expose you
to biological hazards. Types of things you may be exposed to include:  Blood and other
body fluids  Fungi/mold  Bacteria and viruses  Plants  Insect bites  Animal and bird
 SAFETY HAZARDS: These are the most common and will be present droppings.
in most workplaces at one time or another. They include unsafe  PHYSICAL HAZARDS: Are factors within the environment that can harm the body without
conditions that can cause injury, illness and death. Safety Hazards
necessarily touching it. Physical Hazards include:  Radiation: including ionizing,
include:
nonionizing (EMF’s, microwaves, radiowaves, etc.)  High exposure to sunlight/ultraviolet
 Spills on floors or tripping hazards, such as blocked aisles or cords rays  Temperature extremes – hot and cold  Constant loud noise
running across the floor  ERGONOMIC HAZARDS: Occur when the type of work, body positions and working
 Working from heights, including ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or any raised conditions put strain on your body. They are the hardest to spot since you don’t always
work area immediately notice the strain on your body or the harm that these hazards pose. Shortterm
exposure may result in “sore muscles” the next day or in the days following exposure, but
 Unguarded machinery and moving machinery parts; guards removed or long-term exposure can result in serious long-term illnesses. Ergonomic Hazards include: 
moving parts that a worker can accidentally touch Improperly adjusted workstations and chairs  Frequent lifting  Poor posture  Awkward
 Electrical hazards like frayed cords, missing ground pins, improper wiring movements, especially if they are repetitive  Repeating the same movements over and over
 Having to use too much force, especially if you have to do it frequently  Vibration
 Confined spaces
 CHEMICAL HAZARDS: Are present when a worker is exposed to any chemical
 Machinery-related hazards (lockout/tagout, boiler safety, forklifts, etc.) preparation in the workplace in any form (solid, liquid or gas). Some are safer than others, but
to some workers who are more sensitive to chemicals, even common solutions can cause
illness, skin irritation, or breathing problems. Beware of:  Liquids like cleaning products,
paints, acids, solvents – ESPECIALLY if chemicals are in an unlabeled container!  Vapors
and fumes that come from welding or exposure to solvents  Gases like acetylene, propane,
carbon monoxide and helium  Flammable materials like gasoline, solvents, and explosive
chemicals.  Pesticides
 WORK ORGANIZATION HAZARDS: Hazards or stressors that cause stress (shortterm effects) and strain
(long-term effects). These are the hazards associated with workplace issues such as workload, lack of control
and/or respect, etc. Examples of work organization hazards include:  Workload demands  Workplace
violence  Intensity and/or pace  Respect (or lack of)  Flexibility  Control or say about things  Social
support/relations  Sexual harassment
 FIRE HAZARD How many fire incidents are there in the Philippines each year?
 BFP spokesperson Supt. Annalee Carbajal-Atienza said that fire-
 With over 3,000 American lives claimed each year from fire hazards, this is the related incidents total 0f 2,619 fire incidents have already been recorded in
third biggest killer as far as home accidents are concerned. Follow these steps the country since January this year.
to avoid fatalities and devastating burns to loved ones as well as damage to
your home and belongings.  The Bureau of Fire Protection said the figure is higher compared to a total of
1,812 fire incidents from January to March last year.
 Minimize the Risks
• Install smoke detectors in the kitchen, bedrooms and basement.
Which of the following is the main cause of fire incidents in the Philippines?
• Test your alarm monthly and ensure you replace the batteries twice a year. Electrical ignition caused by arcing was cited as the main perpetrator.
Electrical Connections and Electrical Faults have been the top cause of
• Consider a home alarm system that detects smoke. This will not just raise an
fires in Metro Manila with an average of 53.85% of the total number of fires
alarm like a usual smoke detector but it will contact the local fire department
yearly. What are the general causes of Electrical fires?
and help will be on its way. This is particularly useful should a fire render the
my safety my responsibility: top cause of fires in the philippines - faulty ...
householders incapable of response due to smoke inhalation.
• Be careful when cooking and NEVER leave a pan of oil for deep-frying
unattended. If the pan catches fire use a damp tea towel to deal with the
flames, never try to put the fire out with water.
• Have your electrical wiring tested regularly by a qualified electrician.
What is the biggest fire incident in the Philippines?
• At Xmas, a major hazard and devastating tragedy is fires, which can start from
faulty Xmas tree lights. Ensure your festivities are not ruined by a fire by Ozone Disco fire
switching off all Xmas lights before you go to bed.
The Ozone Disco fire in Quezon City, Philippines, broke out at 11:35 pm Philippine
• Keep matches and lighters away from children. Standard Time on March 18, 1996, leaving at least 162 people dead. It is officially
acknowledged as the worst fire in Philippine history, and among the 10 worst
• If you smoke, take care to extinguish all cigarettes carefully. nightclub fires in the world.

• Never leave a candle burning overnight. Ozone Disco fire - Wikipedia

• Have a fire safety plan that everyone knows and carefully plan how you will exit
the home.
 PHYSICAL HAZARD
PHYSICAL HAZARDS ARE FACTORS OR CONDITIONS WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENT THAT CAN HARM YOUR HEALTH.

 Types of physical hazards Confined Space: Confined spaces are enclosed or partly enclosed spaces that are not designed for people to work in, but in
which people need to work inside occasionally.
 The main factors and conditions associated with physical hazards include: They can have poor ventilation and are a risk to health and safety from dangerous oxygen levels and contaminants like
airborne gases, vapours and dusts.
• Body stressing
For more information, see Confined spaces advice – Safe Work Australia.
• Confined spaces
Electricity: Electric shock through poor electrical installation and faulty appliances can cause serious injury and even
• Electricity
death. It can result in:
• Heat •death from electrocution
•burn injuries to skin and internal tissue as well as damage to the heart
• Heights other injuries, such as falling from ladders and heights, muscle spasms, palpitations and unconsciousness. Heat strain can
• Noise result from working in hot temperatures and being exposed to high levels of humidity or thermal radiation, such as in
foundries, commercial kitchens and laundries.
 Vibration.
 Body Stressing: Body stressing is a collective term covering a broad range of health problems Heat: When working in extreme heat conditions, you must be able to carry out work without a risk to your health and
associated with repetitive and strenuous work. safety, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Heat strain can result from working in hot temperatures and being exposed to high levels of humidity or thermal radiation,
 Factors influencing body stressing such as in foundries, commercial kitchens and laundries.
When working in extreme heat conditions, you must be able to carry out work without a risk to your health and safety, so
 Body stressing injuries, or musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), often develop from carrying out far as is reasonably practicable.
hazardous manual tasks.
 Body stressing injuries at work can result from a variety of factors: Heights: Working at heights is a high-risk activity and a leading cause of death and serious injury in Australia.
There are specific obligations under part 4.4 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 to manage the risk of
• Psychosocial aspects of work – factors such as job demands, control, support and satisfaction, someone falling from one level to another, as far as is reasonably practical.
imbalance between effort and reward and monotony of tasks. Financial concerns or relationship
issues may also contribute.
Noise: Noise in the workplace is considered excessive when you need to raise your voice to be heard by someone a metre
• Biomechanical - soft tissue damage which may occur through: away.
Excessive noise can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). It can also affect
• direct exposure (blunt trauma or sudden overload), leading to a muscle tear or sprain,
psychological health including anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleeplessness, memory and decision making.
or
• indirect exposure (repeated light loading), leading to symptoms that may accumulate to Vibration: There are risks connected to working with vibrating equipment and plant which need to be assessed and
cause further degeneration and injury. managed.
Evidence also shows that people who experience vibration and noise at the same time are more likely to suffer hearing loss
• Individual worker characteristics – factors including health problems or out of hours demands.
and musculoskeletal problems, than people exposed to noise or vibration alone.
 Body stressing sources of risk
 Manual handling and computer usage are key risks for body stressing.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
ELECTRICAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT
CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS
 What is a confined space?
 A confined space is an enclosed area where there is a
risk of death or dangerous injury from hazardous
substances or dangerous conditions.
 A confined space is a place that is substantially
enclosed (though not always entirely), and where
serious injury can occur from hazardous substances
or conditions within the space or nearby.
 Enclosures with limited openings such as drains, sewers,
tanks and silos are confined spaces. These are often
places that are not usually entered by people, but may
need to be during maintenance work or inspections.
 During construction work, some areas may become
confined spaces due to the work being carried out, for
example within trenches, unventilated rooms or building
voids.
CONFINED SPACE SAFETY
Controlling Confined Space Hazards
 If you can’t avoid work within the confined space, you need to carry out a
confined spaces risk assessment to identify the hazards decide what precautions are needed
to control the risk.
 Every year, people die or get seriously injured during confined space work. Unfortunately,
many deaths in confined spaces are from people attempting to rescue others and being
exposed to the same hazards.
 It is not possible to know all the hazards off the top of your head. If you enter
confined spaces without sampling the atmosphere correctly or testing what is, or
can be there, you will get it wrong at some point and the consequences can be
fatal.
 Gerry McCulloch HSE Confined Spaces Case Studies (IOSH Liverpool 2017)
Controls you might think about include:
• Atmosphere testing
Confined space work is high risk, and you must follow a safe system of work developed through risk
• Plant shut down assessment, method statement, control measures and permits to work.
• Isolation of existing equipment or services Everyone involved with confined space work needs to have the right training and instruction so they can
carry out the work safely, and not put themselves or others at risk.
• Cleaning and ventilating before entry
• Establishing a safe system of work No person at work shall enter or carry out any work in or (other than as a result of an
• Additional lighting
emergency) leave a confined space otherwise than in accordance with a system of work
which, in relation to any relevant specified risks, renders that work safe and without risks to
• Breathing apparatus health.
• Non-sparking tools The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 Regulation 4
• Communication systems
A confined space permit to work is an extra level of control, as the work will need to be authorised and
• Training signed off to say that all the necessary controls are in place.
• Supervision and monitoring
Remember, confined spaces are dangerous places. The Confined Spaces Regulations apply to all work
• Rescue procedures and emergency arrangements within confined spaces and must be applied
• Lifelines
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CONFINED SPACE HAZARDS?

If confined space work cannot be avoided, you need to take extreme care. If you run into trouble within a confined space, the
consequences can be fatal.

Here are our Top 7 Confined Space Hazards.

1. Lack of Oxygen
 Oxygen can be removed from the atmosphere within a confined space through naturally occurring reactions. A reaction between certain soils
and the oxygen, or groundwater and chalk or limestone can produce carbon dioxide which displaces oxygen. Rust forming inside tanks can
also create a lack of oxygen.
 In 2014 three crew members died at Goole Docks after entering a cargo hold.
2.Gases, Fumes and Vapours
 Poisonous gases and fumes can build up within confined spaces, especially where there is a lack of ventilation.
 Deadly gases can leak into the confined space, for example through a burst gas pipe or from contaminated land. Or they may be created from
the work being carried out, such as welding, adhesives or paint fumes.
 Without extraction or ventilation, these gases and fumes can create a toxic atmosphere within the confined space.
3. Flooding
 Liquids can quickly flood the confined space, particularly in drainage or sewer work, trapping and potentially drowning those within.
 And it's not just liquids you should worry about. Solids can also flood confined spaces, for example in trench collapses, with those within the
trench at the risk of being trapped or buried.
 Confined spaces can be small, so flooding can occur in a matter of seconds, leaving no time to escape.
4. Dust
 Dust can build up within confined spaces, either naturally occurring or through the activity being carried out, e.g. drilling or grinding.
 Excessive dust inhalation causes respiratory problems, and hazardous dust can be fatal.
 Dust build-up can also increase fire/explosion risk, especially where there is a lack of ventilation
5. Fire and Explosions
 Flammable vapours, liquids, gases and dust within the confined space can all increase the risk of fire and explosions. The risk is increased
further where any hot works or tools which can spark are used within the confined space.
 Remember how lack of oxygen was number one on our list? Well, too much oxygen is also bad. Excessive oxygen levels increase the risk of
fire and explosions.
6. Temperature
 Strenuous construction work, hot works or naturally occurring hot conditions can lead to a dangerous increase in body temperature. This can
quickly become a problem within confined spaces that are hard to escape from at the best of times.
 Heat can rapidly rise due to the enclosed nature of a confined space. This can lead to heatstroke, exhaustion and collapse.
7. Access Restrictions
 Confined spaces are also dangerous because they can be difficult to access. This makes escape difficult and also hinders any emergency
rescue.
 Once you are inside a confined space, there may not be a quick or easy way out. So it is important to know that work can be carried out safely
before you enter, and emergency arrangements are in place.
PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS
Psychosocial hazards
 Good work is good for people’s mental health and wellbeing. It provides structure and purpose, a
sense of identity, and opportunities to develop skills and increased feelings of self-worth.
 There are some circumstances, however, where work has undesirable impacts on health and wellbeing.

Eliminate psychosocial hazards

 Psychosocial hazards are aspects of work which have the potential to cause psychological or physical
harm.
 Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of
workers, that creates a risk to health and safety.
 Examples of workplace bullying include offensive language, intimidating behaviour, belittling
comments, practical jokes or unjustified criticism.
Bullying in the Work Place: Bullying in the workplace is often the result of poor workplace culture supported by an environment which
allows this behaviour to occur. Identifying and dealing with bullying and other workplace conflict early helps promote respectful behaviour
and prevents bullying from becoming accepted behaviour.
 If you are a worker, for more information about workplace bullying and the assistance Comcare can provide in these cases, see
Dealing with Workplace Bullying and Requesting Comcare Assistance information sheet for workers (PDF, 184.7 KB).
Fatigue: Fatigue is more than feeling tired and drowsy. It is an acute, ongoing state of tiredness that leads to mental or physical exhaustion
and prevents people from functioning normally.
 Fatigue is a physical condition that can occur when a person’s physical or mental limits are reached.
 Signs of fatigue include:
• tiredness even after sleep
• reduced hand-eye coordination or slow reflexes
• short term memory problems and an inability to concentrate
• blurred vision or impaired visual perception
• a need for extended sleep during days off work.
 Most industries are affected to some degree by fatigue. However, some types of work and sectors have an inherently higher risk of
fatigue, particularly those involving shift work or long-haul transportation:
Mental Stress: Work-related mental stress is the worker’s reaction when workplace demands and responsibilities are greater than the
worker can comfortably manage or are beyond the worker’s abilities. It can affect each worker differently and originate from different
sources.
Risk
 Mental stress causes the body to move into a fight or flight reaction which releases adrenaline and cortisol, raises the heart rate, boosts
glucose levels in the bloodstream and diverts energy from the immune system to other areas of the body.
 This reaction helps people remove themselves from danger at which time the body usually returns to normal.
 When mental stress is prolonged, the body will not return to normal as easily and many key body systems can be affected and may start to
break down causing major health problems.
 In the workplace, the symptoms of stress can translate to personal and business costs, such as:
• breakdown of individual and team relationships
• poor morale and erosion of worker loyalty and commitment
• increased absenteeism and staff turnover
• reduced employee efficiency and workplace productivity and profitability
• increased employer costs associated with counselling, worker assistance and mediation
• increased workers’ compensation claims and employer legal costs.
Remedies
 The Job Demands-Resources model of occupational stress highlights that employees need to balance both the demands of a job and the
resources available to them in the workplace, to reduce work-related mental stress.
 High levels of job demand and low levels of job resources increase the risk of mental stress.
 Job demands can include: role overload, role ambiguity or conflict, mental and emotional demands of the job, conflict arising from tasks or
relationships
 Job resources and strengths can include:, job control
• supervisor and co-worker support, praise and recognition, following fair and just process, change consultation.
 In practice, preventing and managing stress in the workplace before it becomes a risk to health and safety may be achieved by:
• having senior management commitment to reducing workplace stress
• consulting with workers to create and promote a mentally healthy workplace culture
• ensuring the organisation has appropriate policies and procedures in place and workers are aware of these
• managing workplace psychosocial risk factors
• providing regular and respectful performance feedback
• having a dedicated harassment officer – sometimes known as a contact officer, equal opportunity officer or equity contact officer – in place for
workers to speak to
• providing training around managing workplace and individual stress levels.
 PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS
Overseas Work: Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act), the duties of a person conducting a
business or undertaking (PCBU) and an officer’s obligations in respect to managing workers overseas are
identical to workers onshore.
 Each overseas project has its own psychosocial and physical hazards and risks. The PCBU needs to consider,
take reasonably practicable steps, and document the steps to address the health and safety risks of managing
the overseas project and travel.
 For more information, see:
Overseas Workers - How Should I Identify and Manage the Risks factsheet (PDF, 74.9 KB)
• Travel Risk Assessment checklist (PDF, 223.9 KB).
Remote or Isolated Work: Working alone or remotely increases the risks to physical and psychological health
in any job. Exposure to violence and poor access to emergency assistance are among the common hazards
associated with remote or isolated work.
Remedies depend on the conditions and context of the work, but may include:
• relocate the work
• provide vehicles, equipment, tools and communication equipment suitable for use in the terrain
• have at least two workers in remote locations
• ensure workers are physically and mentally fit to perform the work
• provide appropriate training about working in remote or isolated environments
• avoid riskier times of the day, such as excessive heat, cold, storms and when the circadian rhythm wants the
body to sleep
• ensure adequate facilities for workers including toilets, drinking water, eating facilities and personal storage
• provide accommodation
• have a check-in process where workers must contact ‘home base’ at a nominated time
• have an emergency response plan if workers fail to report in at allotted times.
 For more information on the risks and remedies, see:
• Remote or Isolated Work guide (PDF, 202.4 KB) – Comcare
Workplace Change:
Change is constant in working life and can bring positive results for organisations and workers like better productivity, clarity of role and increased
work satisfaction. It can also be challenging and can affect morale and engagement if it isn’t managed well.
 In times of change, it’s important to consider your work health and safety management systems and integrate these into the change process to
monitor and prevent risks to workers.
 Workers are more likely to embrace change when it is supported by consultation and effective communication, and this can improve health and
productivity.
 Poor change management can lead to psychological injures and other adverse health outcomes, as well as reduced productivity.
 During change, it is important for organisations to focus on these key elements to help protect workers from psychological harm:
• Consultation
• Prevention
• Early intervention
• Recovery at and return to work
• Leadership.
Machinery of Government Changes
 Comcare’s work health and safety jurisdiction is uniquely impacted by organisational change associated with
Machinery of Government (MoG).
 These are major decisions around restructuring – including creating or abolishing entities, and moving and changing
agency functions – and they can have health and safety consequences for workers.
 Australian Public Service employers need to consider and effectively manage the health and safety risks associated
with implementing MoG changes. Agencies must be aware of their WHS responsibilities – appropriately identifying
hazards, particularly psychosocial hazards, carrying out risk assessments and implementing mitigation processes.
 Workplace Violence or Customer Aggression: Workplace or occupational violence can be any incident where a
person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances arising out of, or in the course of their work.
 The violence can be either directed at the person or as a result of witnessing violence against someone else.
 Examples of violence may include:
• biting, spitting, scratching, hitting, kicking
• punching, pushing, shoving, tripping, grabbing
• throwing objects
• verbal threats
• aggravated assault
• any form of indecent physical contact
• threatening someone with a weapon or armed robbery.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work | Safe Work Australia
• Psychosocial hazards | Safe Work Australia