Workplace Hazards Flashcards
Physical Hazards in the Workplace
-Mechanical Hazard
-Electrical Hazard
-Fall Hazard
-Noise Hazard
These include risks associated with moving
machinery parts, tools, and equipment that
can cause injuries through crushing, cutting, or
entanglement.
Mechanical Hazards
Examples of Mechanical Hazards
-conveyor belts,
-forklifts, and
-power tools.
Electrical hazards pose risks of shocks, burns,
and fires. They can result from exposed wiring,
faulty equipment, or improper use of electrical
devices.
Electrical Hazards
These include risks of falls from heights, slips
on wet surfaces, or trips over obstacles.
Common in construction and maintenance
work, but present in many industries.
Fall Hazards
Excessive noise levels can lead to hearing loss
and stress. Industries like manufacturing,
construction, and music venues often face this
hazard.
Noise Hazards
Chemical hazards include _____
-toxic substances,
-corrosives,
-flammables, and
-reactive materials
Various forms of Chemical Hazards
liquids, gases, vapors, fumes, and dusts.
Common examples of chemicals include _______
-cleaning products,
-solvents,
-pesticides, and
-industrial chemicals.
significantly affect the severity and type of
health effects.
Route of exposure
Exposure routes
Chemical hazards can enter the body through:
inhalation,
skin absorption,
ingestion, or
injection
Exposure to chemical hazards can result in
______ or ______ health effects.
acute
chronic
_______, like chemical burns or respiratory irritation, occur immediately.
Acute effects
_____, such as cancer or organ damage, may develop over time with repeated exposure.
Chronic effects
Biological Hazards in the Workplace
-Viruses and Bacteria
-Mold and Fungi
-Insects and Animals
-Plants and Organic Dusts
-
These microorganisms can cause infections and
diseases. They are common in healthcare,
laboratories, and areas with poor sanitation.
Viruses and Bacteria
______ is found in damp or poorly ventilated
areas, causing respiratory issues and allergies.
Mold and Fungi
Bites, stings, and animal-borne pathogens pose
risks in outdoor work environments.
Insects and Animals
Certain plants can cause allergies or skin
irritation. Organic dusts can lead to respiratory
issues when inhaled.
Plants and Organic Dusts
_____ can lead to respiratory
issues when inhaled.
Organic dusts
Ergonomic hazards are often overlooked but
can lead to serious long-term health issues.
Identification of Ergonomic Risks
Examples of Ergonomic risks
-repetitive motions,
-awkward postures,
-excessive force, and
-prolonged static positions.
Ergonomic risks are common in ______
-office environments,
-manufacturing, and
-healthcare settings.
Evaluate workstations, tools, and tasks for
ergonomic risks. Consider factors like repetition
frequency, force required, duration of
exposure, and individual worker characteristics.
Assessment of Ergonomic Factors
Use ______ and _____ to identify problem areas.
-ergonomic assessment tools
-employee feedback
Develop and implement solutions to mitigate
ergonomic risks. This may include redesigning
workstations, providing adjustable equipment,
implementing job rotation, and training
employees on proper ergonomic practices.
Regular reassessment is crucial to ensure
effectiveness.
Implementation of Ergonomic Solutions
Establish a system for ongoing monitoring of
ergonomic conditions. Encourage employee
reporting of discomfort or pain. Regularly
review and update ergonomic interventions
based on new information, changing work
processes, or emerging technologies.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Risk Assessment: A Systematic Approach to
Workplace Safety
-Hazard Identification
-Risk Analysis
-Risk Evaluation
-Risk Control
Identify potential hazards through inspections,
incident reports, and employee input. Use
checklists and workplace surveys for
comprehensive risk coverage.
Hazard Identification
Analyze the consequences and likelihood of
identified hazards. Consider factors like
exposure, severity, and existing controls. Use
risk matrices or scoring systems to quantify
risks.
Risk Analysis
Analyze the consequences and likelihood of
identified hazards. Consider factors like
exposure, severity, and existing controls. Use
risk matrices or scoring systems to quantify
risks.
Risk Analysis
Compare risks against criteria to determine
acceptability and prioritize based on severity
and impact on worker safety.
Risk Evaluation
Implement control measures for unacceptable
risks.
Risk Control
Follow the hierarchy of controls:
-elimination,
-substitution,
-engineering,
-administrative, and
-PPE.
Hazard Control Methods
-Elimination and Substitution
-Engineering Controls
-Administrative Controls
-Personal Protective Equipment
The most effective control methods involve removing the hazard entirely or replacing it with a less hazardousnalternative. For example, replacing toxic cleaning chemicals with safer, eco-friendly options or redesigning a work process to eliminate a dangerous step.
Elimination and Substitution
-These involve physical changes to the workplace to reduce exposure to hazards. Examples include installing machine guards, improving ventilation systems, or implementing noise reduction measures.
-are preferred as they do not rely on worker behavior.
Engineering Controls
Examples of Engineering Controls
Examples include installing machine guards, improving ventilation systems, or implementing noise reduction measures.
Examples of Elimination and Substitution
For example, replacing toxic cleaning
chemicals with safer, eco-friendly options or
redesigning a work process to eliminate a dangerous
step.
These controls involve changing work procedures and policies to reduce risk.
Administrative Controls
Examples of Administrative Controls
This can include implementing job rotation to limit exposure, providing safety training, or establishing standard operating procedures for hazardous tasks.
crucial when other control methods are insufficient.
PPE
Types of PPE: Head Protection
-Hard Hats
-Bump Caps
-Welding Helmets
Protect against falling objects and head
impacts. Essential in construction and mining.
Hard Hats
Lightweight protection for minor bumps.
Suitable for low-clearance environments.
Bump Caps