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For more information about Prince Edward Island, Canada,
consult the Government of PEI website.
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SPOT IT! - Recognizing Workplace Hazards
A hazard is any situation with the potential to cause injury or illness. There are hazards in every workplace and learning how to recognize them will help you stay safe and prevent workplace injuries.
The following are some common hazards found in a wide variety of workplaces. Examples of hazards by job type are also provided. As you read through the categories and examples, think about the types of hazards that may exist in your current workplace or any work environment in which you could be employed in the future. Ask yourself the question, "What could happen if . . . ?" The answer may be scary.
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Types of Hazards Found at Work
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| Type |
Example |
Hazard Type:
Chemical |
- liquids (office supplies, cleaning products, paints, acids)
- vapours and fumes (welding fumes, toluene)
- gases (oxygen, acetylene, propane, carbon monoxide)
- flammable, combustible and explosive material
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Hazard Type:
Physical |
- electricity
- noise
- vibration
- heat and cold
- dust and fibres
- radiation
- exposed moving machinery parts
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Hazard Type:
Biological |
- medical waste
- mold, fungus and mildew
- bacteria and viruses
- plants (poison ivy)
- insect bites
- animal bites
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Hazard Type:
Ergonomic |
- lighting
- workstation layout
- video display terminals
- work surfaces
- chairs
- heavy loads
- repetitive movements
- posture
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Job Type:
Janitor/Cleaner |
- toxic chemicals in cleaning products
- blood on discarded needles
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Job Type:
Food Services |
- slippery floors
- hot cooking equipment
- sharp objects
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Job Type:
Retail Services |
- violent crimes
- heavy lifting
- stress
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Job Type:
Office/Clerical |
- harassment
- poor computer work station design
- poor lighting
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Job Type:
Outdoor Work |
- cold
- eye injuries
- respiratory hazards (mists, fumes,dust)
- skin injuries (blisters, nerve damage, cuts)
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Job Type:
Construction Work |
- falls
- machines
- power tools
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Job Type:
Farm Work |
- toxic chemicals
- tractors and heavy equipment
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Job Tasks That Can Be Especially Dangerous for New and Young Workers
- working alone
- working in or around motor vehicles
- operating tractors and other heavy equipment
- working near electrical hazards such as overhead power lines while using poles, ladders or pipes
- working in retail and service businesses where there is a risk of robbery-related violence
- working on ladders, scaffolds, roofs or construction sites
- working around cooking appliances
- continuous manual lifting and lifting of heavy objects
Learning about hazards and how to recognize them in the workplace is one way to work out loud. When it comes to workplace safety, SPOT IT!
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