Types of Workplace Hazards
Physical Hazards
- Falls from heights
- Struck-by flying or falling objects
- Caught-in or caught-between machinery
- Electrical hazards
- Extreme temperatures
- Excessive noise
- Poor lighting
- Radiation
Chemical Hazards
- Dusts (concrete, wood, silica)
- Fumes from welding or vehicle exhaust
- Gases like carbon monoxide
- Solvents and paint thinners
- Acids and cleaning products
- Asbestos and lead in older buildings
- Isocyanates in some paints
Biological Hazards
- Mold and fungi
- Bacteria and viruses
- Insect or animal bites
- Bird or rodent droppings
- Contaminated water
- Bloodborne pathogens
Ergonomic Hazards
- Repetitive motions
- Awkward postures
- Excessive force or lifting
- Vibration from tools
- Prolonged kneeling or squatting
- Poor workstation design
How to Spot Hazards
Look Around You
- Scan your work area before starting
- Check for hazards above, below, and around you
- Watch for changing conditions throughout the day
- Pay special attention after breaks when things might have changed
Listen to Warning Signs
- Unusual noises from equipment
- Alarms or warning signals
- Complaints from coworkers about discomfort
- Sound of water or gas leaking
Use Your Other Senses
- Smell unusual odors (gas, chemicals, burning)
- Feel excessive heat, cold, or vibration
- Notice if breathing becomes difficult
- Be alert to dizziness or other symptoms
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
Break each task into steps and identify hazards:
- Select the job to analyze
- Focus on jobs with higher injury rates
- New tasks or procedures
- Tasks that have changed
- Break the job into steps
- What is done first?
- What happens next?
- How does the job end?
- Identify hazards at each step
- What could go wrong?
- What could cause an injury?
- What environmental conditions exist?
- Develop controls for each hazard
- Can the hazard be eliminated?
- Can the job be done differently?
- What protective equipment is needed?
Common Construction Hazards and Warning Signs
Fall Hazards
- Missing guardrails
- Holes in flooring
- Wet or slippery surfaces
- Unstable work surfaces
- Improperly set up ladders
- Missing fall protection
Electrical Hazards
- Frayed or damaged cords
- Missing ground pins
- Exposed wiring
- Overloaded outlets
- Tools used in wet conditions
- Overhead power lines
Struck-By Hazards
- Objects stored at heights
- Unsecured tools or materials
- Heavy equipment operation
- Flying particles from grinding or cutting
- Vehicles in work zones
- Loads being moved overhead
Caught-In Hazards
- Unprotected trenches
- Machinery without guards
- Rotating equipment
- Pinch points
- Clothing or jewelry that could get caught
- Unguarded wall openings
Health Hazards
- Visible dust in the air
- Strong chemical smells
- Unlabeled containers
- Excessive noise
- Extreme temperatures
- Lack of ventilation
Reporting Hazards
If you spot a hazard:
- Report it immediately to your supervisor
- Warn your coworkers about the danger
- Document the hazard if possible (photos, notes)
- Suggest solutions if you have ideas
- Follow up to ensure action is taken
- Contact OSHA if necessary hazards aren't addressed