Understanding Hazards in the Workplace

Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of a physical hazard?

A slippery floor (correct)

Stress related to workload

An unsafe workstation design

Infection from bacteria

Which of the following is an example of a chronic hazard?

Exposure to harmful chemicals

Workplace bullying over time (correct)

Electrocution from faulty wiring

A fire in the office

What best describes an acute hazard?

A poorly designed office layout

A machine emitting harmful fumes over time

An ongoing noise that causes stress

A sudden spill resulting in a slip (correct)

Which option represents a chemical hazard?

Breathing in dust from a construction site Signup and view all the answers

How is risk defined in the context of hazards?

The likelihood of harm and its severity Signup and view all the answers

What type of hazard could result from improper workstation design?

Psychological hazards causing stress Signup and view all the answers

Which of these hazards would be most likely to cause immediate harm?

A lorry moving in a workspace Signup and view all the answers

Sodium hydroxide falls under which hazard category?

Chemical hazard Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes losses due to negligence that causes injury or property damage?

Liability risk Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula used to define risk quantitatively?

Risk = Likelihood x Consequences Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the basic elements of a health and safety program?

Cost reduction strategies Signup and view all the answers

What does personal risk specifically refer to?

Loss of life or income due to health issues Signup and view all the answers

Which term accurately describes the written document outlining processes for identifying hazards and preventing accidents?

Safety Plan Signup and view all the answers

Occupational safety and health is primarily concerned with which of the following?

Safety, health, and welfare of people at work Signup and view all the answers

What type of risk involves losses to property due to dangerous situations such as fire or theft?

Property risk Signup and view all the answers

What does occupational safety encompass?

All aspects of health and safety, including mental and social aspects Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Hazard

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm.

Types of Hazards

Physical Hazards: Include slippery floors, misused machinery, radiation, excessive noise, poor lighting, and fire.
Chemical Hazards: Involve harmful substances like gases, dusts, fumes, vapors, and liquids.
Ergonomic Hazards: Result from poorly designed equipment, risky workstation layouts, and repetitive movements.
Psychological Hazards: Arise from shift work, workload pressures, harassment, discrimination, and constant noise.
Biological Hazards: Include infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites through various means such as cuts or insect bites.

Hazard Examples

A moving lorry on a site represents a physical hazard as it poses a risk of running over a worker.
Sodium hydroxide is a chemical hazard due to its corrosive nature.
A damaged electrical code can lead to electric shock, highlighting a potential danger.

Characteristics of Hazards

Some items are inherently hazardous, while others become so when misused.
Accidents often result from negligence or disregarding hazardous situations.

Categories of Hazards

Acute Hazards: Immediate and obvious risks, e.g., slippery floors.
Chronic Hazards: Long-term impacts that may be less apparent, e.g., workplace bullying leading to stress.

Understanding Risk

Risk is the likelihood of a hazard causing harm combined with the potential severity of that harm.
Risks can be qualitatively categorized as high, medium, or low.
Risk can be calculated using the formula: Risk = Likelihood x Consequences.

Types of Risks

Personal Risk: Loss due to sickness, disability, or unemployment.
Property Risk: Losses due to dangers, such as fire or theft.
Liability Risk: Losses from negligence resulting in injury or property damage.

Basic Elements of a Health and Safety Program

Management commitment and employee involvement are crucial.
Worksite analysis and hazard prevention/control measures are necessary.
Safety and health training must be implemented.

Importance of a Safety Plan

A Safety Plan outlines processes for identifying hazards, preventing accidents, and responding to incidents.
It may include method statements, job safety analyses, and project safety plans.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

OSH is a multidisciplinary field focused on ensuring safety, health, and welfare in workplace environments.
It is essential for mitigating risks across various industries and protecting employees.

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Description

This quiz explores the definition and types of hazards present in various work environments. It covers physical, chemical, ergonomic, psychological, and biological hazards, along with real-life examples. Test your knowledge on how these hazards can impact safety and health at work.