What is a hazard?The meaning of the word hazard can be confusing. Often dictionaries do not give specific definitions or combine it with the term "risk". For example, one dictionary defines hazard as "a danger or risk" which helps explain why many people use the terms interchangeably. Show
There are many definitions for hazard but the most common definition when talking about workplace health and safety is: A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone. Basically, a hazard is the potential for harm or an adverse effect (for example, to people as health effects, to organizations as property or equipment losses, or to the environment). Sometimes the resulting harm is referred to as the hazard instead of the actual source of the hazard. For example, the disease tuberculosis (TB) might be called a "hazard" by some but, in general, the TB-causing bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) would be considered the "hazard" or "hazardous biological agent". What are examples of a hazard?Workplace hazards can come from a wide range of sources. General examples include any substance, material, process, practice, etc. that has the ability to cause harm or adverse health effect to a person or property. See Table 1.
Workplace hazards also include practices or conditions that release uncontrolled energy like:
Please see the OSH Answers on Hazard Identification for more information. What is risk?Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard. It may also apply to situations with property or equipment loss, or harmful effects on the environment. For example: the risk of developing cancer from smoking cigarettes could be expressed as:
These risks are expressed as a probability or likelihood of developing a disease or getting injured, whereas hazard refers to the agent responsible (i.e. smoking). Factors that influence the degree or likelihood of risk are:
What is a risk assessment?Risk assessment is the process where you:
The OSH Answers document on Risk Assessment has details on how to conduct an assessment and establish priorities. Are there other terms used to describe these processes?It is common to see the process of identifying hazards and assessing the corresponding risk to be described in various ways, including “hazard assessment”, “hazard and risk assessment”, “all hazards risk assessment”, etc. Regardless of the terminology used, the critical steps are to make sure the workplace has taken a systematic approach that looks for any hazards (existing or potential), has take appropriate steps to determine the level of risk of these hazards, and then taken measures to control the risk or eliminate the hazard. Documentation from CCOHS will use the terms “hazard identification ” and “risk assessment ” to describe the process of first looking for hazards, then determining the level of risk from that hazard. Hazard control describes the steps that can be taken to protect workers and the workplace. What is an adverse health effect?A general definition of adverse health effect is "any change in body function or the structures of cells that can lead to disease or health problems". Adverse health effects include:
Will exposure to hazards in the workplace always cause injury, illness or other adverse health effects?Not necessarily. To answer this question, you need to know:
The effects can be acute, meaning that the injury or harm can occur or be felt as soon as a person comes in contact with the hazardous agent (e.g., a splash of acid in a person's eyes). Some responses may be chronic (delayed). For example, exposure to poison ivy may cause red swelling on the skin two to six hours after contact with the plant. On the other hand, longer delays are possible: mesothelioma, a kind of cancer in the lining of the lung cavity, can develop 20 years or more after exposure to asbestos. Once the hazard is removed or eliminated, the effects may be reversible or irreversible (permanent). For example, a hazard may cause an injury that can heal completely (reversible) or result in an untreatable disease (irreversible). What types of hazards are there?A common way to classify hazards is by category:
Document last updated on July 10, 2020 Add a badge to your website or intranet so your workers can quickly find answers to their health and safety questions. DisclaimerAlthough every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Which of the following is a key difference between unionized and nonunionized work in Canada quizlet?Which of the following is a key difference between unionized and nonunionized work in Canada? Unionized workers get higher wages and benefits.
Which of the following is a good measure to prevent workplace violence quizlet?A written workplace violence policy, training in preventing workplace violence, and a consistently maintained safe work environment. One of the best ways to prevent workplace violence is to recognize the warning signs.
Which of the following terms is also used to describe competency based pay?Competency-based pay might also be known as skills-based and knowledge-based pay.
Which of the following is an advantage of piece rate pay systems?Which of the following is an advantages of piece rate pay systems? They have a direct link to performance. At Steelcase, an office furniture maker, employees can earn more than their base pay if they produce more units, such as upholster more chairs. This part of their pay is determined on units produced.
|