Hazards in the workplace: Different Types and Management Tips

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm. In a workplace context, this could be anything from toxic fumes generated from a manufacturing process to an improperly set up workstation.

Some hazards are easily identifiable and avoidable, but others are harder to spot. You may not even think of certain hazards, such as dust or bad posture as dangerous. This is why it is so important to learn about possible hazards and assess how you may be impacted.

Though often used interchangeably, hazards and risks are different, albeit interconnected. While a hazard is something that has the potential to cause harm, a risk is the chance of that harm actually happening.

For example, imagine a container that contains a toxic chemical that cause significant illness and injury, depending on the level of exposure. This is a hazard. If it is not possible to remove the worker from the risk, then the risk for a worker who handles this container every day may be high. This can be mitigated by ensuring that the chemical is stored safely, that the worker is provided with the appropriate safety equipment and training.

So, a risk can’t exist without a hazard. But the level of risk is dependent on factors such as the safety measures in place, the vulnerability of an employee and the level of exposure to the hazard.

Organisational hazards come in all shapes and sizes, from electrical hazards like exposed wiring to chemical and biological hazards to hazards that affect mental wellbeing. Here, we break down some of the most common hazards in the workplace that you could encounter.

Examples of safety hazards include:

Electrical hazards revolve around the potential harm caused by electricity. This can include exposed electric wiring that could cause harm upon making contact – and even, depending on the voltage, significant injury or death.

Electrical hazards have the potential to be found in most workplaces, from offices to construction sites. In the former, for example, there might be loose wires under desks that could be easily damaged, or sockets being overloaded with multiple extensions.

A tripping hazard is anything that can be tripped over. These can be things such as cables in a dockyard or construction site, power cables in an office or even a loose bit of carpet and some bags on the floor in a school. Liquid spills, such as a knocked-over drink in a restaurant or bar, can also present a tripping hazard.

Avoiding slips and trips is important for preventing injuries such as sprains and broken bones.

Equipment hazards relate to any hazards that involve workplace equipment. This can range from something as an office toaster with too many crumbs in, to power tools that you could find on a construction site such as an angle grinder or blowtorch and even large-scale specialist machines that you might find in a factory or manufacturing setting. All of these have the potential to cause serious harm or more if not used with the right protective equipment or operational knowledge.

Examples of biological hazards include:

Pathogens are harmful microbes, such as viruses or bacteria, that can cause disease. They are present in every type of workplace but are particularly prevalent in hospitals due to the concentration of illness within such buildings and educational institutions due to the density of people in these places, allowing illnesses to spread thick and fast. These illnesses can range from the common cold to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which had devastating effects on the health and wellbeing of millions of workers globally.

Animals and plants can present hazards in a variety of select industries such as agriculture, railway construction and even offices. Farmers, for example, have the potential to be stung by wasps or bitten by mosquitos that can carry disease, as well as having to deal with larger animals such as cows and horses which could cause injury due to their strength. Rats and cockroaches meanwhile could become present in shops or restaurants where food is not properly stored. Plants such as stinging nettles and hogweed can also pose a potential pain problem to those in outdoor vocations.    

Mould and damp are related hazards. Damp is the accumulation of moisture in a specific place. Mould is a fungus that operates in said moist environments. Both have the potential to cause structural building damage in the long term and negative respiratory effects on those who breathe in its effects. They have the potential to be present in most buildings, especially those with poor ventilation such as older office buildings.

Bodily fluids, such as urine, vomit or blood can present potential harm if accidently ingested or absorbed into the body via an open wound. This is because of the potential for bodily fluids to contain and therefore spread disease.  

These hazards are particularly common for people who work with the very young, such as nursery workers, or care workers and hospital staff.

Examples of ergonomic hazards include:

Manual handling injuries, often related to knees and backs, can occur when people use improper lifting techniques. This can occur in any workplace but is particularly prevalent in warehouses or construction, where lifting heavy loads is part of the job description.

Over time, poor posture can begin to cause issues such as back pain, joint disintegration, and rounded shoulders. This can be an issue in any jobs, but is common for those with desk jobs, who typically remain sedentary throughout most of the day.

Ensuring your workstation is set up correctly can help prevent poor posture, as can equipment like ergonomic chairs and standing desks. Regular breaks and a change of position can often help avoid the development of musculoskeletal issues.

Computer screens are a hazard when they are set too bright or are used for prolonged periods without breaks. People with sensory issues may also be at risk of becoming overstimulated.

Adjusting screen brightness or wearing special lenses can help mitigate long-term eye damage. Regular breaks from the screen can also help prevent eye damage and reduce stimulation. A display screen equipment assessment can help workers identify further ways to mitigate the risks associated with their work set up.

The repeated use of a computer mouse and keyboard can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSI), which cause aching and shooting pains. This can be mitigated by using ergonomic equipment appropriate for the user and their work.

However, RSIs don't just occur in offices. Factory workers, for example, who repeat the same movement hundreds of times a day are also at risk.

Examples of physical and environmental hazards include:

Radiation hazards exist in many workplaces – most notably within the nuclear energy sector and in the medical industry, such as hospitals and dentists, due to X-rays, CTs and other scans. Airplane crews, military personnel and miners may also be at risk.

Long-term exposure to radiation can cause severe health degradation and has been linked to cancer.

Working in the heat or in cold weather present can be hazardous. Extreme heat can pose risks such as sunburn or sunstroke, while extreme cold can lead to hypothermia or even frostbite. People who work outside, such as farmers and construction workers, are at higher risk – wearing the appropriate clothing and using the right equipment can reduce these risks.

Poor air quality can cause a number of respiratory issues – airborne hazards include dust, toxic fumes and pollutants. This is a particular problem in industrial settings, although outside workers are also at risk from poor air quality.

Loud noises are a hazard due to their potential to cause short- or long-term hearing damage. They can be a problem when working in a manufacturing setting, an airport, docks, or anywhere else where large machinery is present. Mitigation can be the encapsulation of equipment, restricted exposure time to workers and the use of PPE such as ear plugs/ear defenders.

Examples of hazardous substances in the workplace include:

If not sufficiently contained, flammable substances have the potential to start fast-spreading fires that can cause extreme burns and death. Flammable substances can come in a range of states from natural gas at an energy plant to petroleum spirit at a fuel station.

Toxic materials are a hazard that, depending on the type of material, can cause minor skin irritation, sickness or even death. Asbestos is a common toxic hazard faced by property developers contractors and in some cases homeowners and has been linked to an increase frequency of lung cancer.

Though asbestos imports have been banned in the UK since 1999 and production was banned decades earlier, the material can still be found in old buildings due to its popularity as a building material worldwide.

Used predominately in the agricultural sector, pesticides are used to kill pests and weeds that would otherwise blight crops. Unfortunately, certain pesticides have been linked to various cancers, neurological disorders and even development delays in children. There are thousands of different pesticides worldwide – creating new types and banning others are common occurrences.  

Examples of psychosocial hazards include:

Bullying in the workplace can cause emotional damage to the victim and can take place in any type of work environment and can constitute verbal or physical assault from one or more persons to another. It can also be based on factors that range from status within the workplace, to a general personal dislike. It is the duty of management and HR to promote a culture of respect and zero-tolerance to bullying.

Workplace discrimination, like bullying, can have long lasted psychological effects on the victim. Discrimination in a workplace context can be based on several protected characteristics such as gender identity, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Also, like bullying, discrimination can take place in any type of work environment.

Work stress is a hazard that can lead to negative effects, both mental and physical. The responsibilities of certain jobs as well as a poor work-life balance have the potential to lead to burnout. Healthcare professionals, firefighters, and financial industry workers are all in roles well known for stress and burnout potential – but psychosocial risks can be recognised in every workplace.

All organisations should strive to eliminate a hazard from the workplace, however this is not always possible so there are ways that the risks associated with them can be reduced, mitigated and effectively managed.

Here are three key areas of hazards management:

Conducting risk assessments can help you to identify hazards, evaluate the risks they may pose and propose ways to mitigate the risks before the work or activity begins. It’s best practice for this process to be led by a worker who is trained to carry out risk assessments.

Making employees aware of potential hazards and agree the most effective controls before they begin work allows them to avoid/deal with them in an appropriate manner.

Control measures are the actions taken after a risk assessment that reduce the risks associated with a hazard. Control measures range from something as simple as a pair of safety gloves to specialised storage solutions for chemical hazards.

There are six main levels of control measures from elimination as the best practice option through to Discipline.

1. Elimination – The complete removal of the worker from the risk
2. Reduce/Substitute – Reduce the exposure to the risk/use a less risky process
3. Isolate – Create a barrier between the worker and the risk
4. Control – Introduce clear safe systems of work, isolation systems, permits etc.
5. Personal Protective Equipment – Provide and wear suitable and well maintained equipment to shield the workers from the risk.
6. Discipline – Monitor the use of systems designed to protect workers from risk and act upon failings identified.

It is important that employees are trained to deal with workplace hazards they may encounter. For example, if an employee is going to be using specialist machinery in a factory, they must first be trained how to operate it safely.

Training around manual handling and anti-bullying are common in most workplaces, but the course content may be tailored to the industry or company.

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