APPENDIX C: TYPES OF OH&S HAZARDS

An OH&S hazard is any source, situation, activity or event that has the potential to cause injury or ill health, or both. The following is a list of typical potential hazards that could be found in a workplace:

• Ergonomic hazards, such as musculoskeletal disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, neck and back aches (normally due to over use of muscles, bad posture, repeated tasks, poorly designed workstations, lifting heavy weights, or tasks beyond an employee’s physical capabilities and limitations).
• Hazards relating to dust, fumes and vapours.
• Biological hazards, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, blood-borne pathogens, etc.
• Hazardous gases, such as carbon monoxide, ammonia, benzene, butane, chloroform, hydrogen sulphide, methane, etc.
• Chemical hazards of various categories, such as toxins, carcinogens, sensitisers, immunological agents, dermatopathic agents or asthmagens.
• Radiation hazards.
• Slips, trips, falls.
• Noise, vibration.
• Electricity and electrical hazards.
• Welding and hot work hazards.
• Asphyxiation.
• Cold stress (hypothermia).
• Confined space hazards.
• Falls from working at heights.
• Drugs, alcohol, tobacco.
• Heat stress, dehydration.
• Compressed air or high pressure fluids.
• Asbestos, lead, heavy metals, petroleum and silica hazards.
• Mechanical hazards (crushed fingers or hands, amputations, impact, collision, entanglement, crushing, cutting, shearing, abrasion, etc.).
• Hazards involved in driving, movement and operation of cranes, vehicles, forklifts and trolleys.
• Fire and explosion hazards.
• Hazards in office environment (stress, ergonomic hazards, temperature, humidity, light, noise, ventilation, space, task design, etc.).
• Psychosocial hazards could include work-related stress, excessive working hours (over time), violence, bullying, emotional or verbal abuse, sexual harassment, burn-out, etc.
• Hazardous substances, oils, perfumes, paints, acids, bases, enzymes, aerosols, etc.