Unit
- Mechanical hazards: Moving machinery parts, rotating shafts, and pinch points are common in manufacturing. These can cause crushing, cutting, or entanglement injuries. Proper guarding and lockout/tagout procedures are critical to prevent unplanned energy release.
- Electrical hazards: Exposed wiring, overloaded circuits, and static discharge pose shock and fire risks. Workers must be trained to identify frayed cables, improper grounding, and wet conditions near electrical equipment.
- Chemical hazards: Spills, leaks, and improper storage of flammable or toxic substances create health and explosion dangers. Material safety data sheets and secondary containment help control exposure.
- Thermal hazards: Extreme temperatures from furnaces, steam lines, or cryogenic fluids can cause burns or heat stress. Insulation, shielding, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are common controls.
- Gravitational hazards: Falls from heights, falling objects, and collapsing structures are leading causes of workplace fatalities. Guardrails, toe boards, and harnesses reduce fall risks.
- Noise hazards: Prolonged exposure to loud machinery leads to hearing loss. Engineering controls like sound dampening and administrative controls like job rotation help mitigate risk.
- Ergonomic hazards: Repetitive motions, awkward postures, and heavy lifting cause musculoskeletal disorders. Workstation design and proper lifting techniques are essential.
- Biological hazards: In healthcare or waste management, workers face exposure to bacteria, viruses, and mold. Vaccination, ventilation, and PPE are key defenses.
- Radiation hazards: Ionizing sources like X-rays and gamma rays damage cellular DNA, while non-ionizing sources like UV and lasers cause burns and eye injuries. Shielding, distance, and time limits are primary controls. Dosimeters and warning signs help monitor exposure levels.
- Vibration hazards: Hand-arm vibration from power tools leads to Raynaud's disease and nerve damage. Whole-body vibration from heavy equipment causes spinal injuries. Anti-vibration gloves, tool dampening, and limiting exposure duration reduce these risks.
- Pressure hazards: High pressure systems such as hydraulic lines and compressed gas cylinders can rupture or cause injection injuries. Vacuum vessels may implode. Relief valves, burst discs, and proper training on depressurization prevent catastrophic failures.
- Confined space hazards: Enclosed areas with limited entry pose risks of oxygen deficiency, toxic atmospheres, and engulfment. Atmospheric testing, continuous ventilation, and rescue plans are mandatory before entry. Workers must use harnesses and tripods for retrieval.
- Fire and explosion hazards: Combustible dusts, flammable vapors, and hot work can ignite. Proper housekeeping, explosion relief vents, and grounding of static electricity are essential. Fire suppression systems and emergency evacuation drills protect personnel.
Financial Formula
Risk Score
R = L x S
R = L x S
Where:
- R: Risk score (numeric value used for prioritization)
- L: Likelihood of occurrence (scale 1-5, where 1 is rare and 5 is almost certain)
- S: Severity of outcome (scale 1-5, where 1 is negligible and 5 is catastrophic)
Quick Revision
- Physical hazards include mechanical, electrical, chemical, thermal, gravitational, noise, ergonomic, and biological types.
- Each hazard type demands specific control methods, such as guarding, insulation, or PPE.
- The risk score formula R = L x S provides a quick numeric prioritization for hazard mitigation.
- Regular workplace inspections help identify hazards before they cause incidents.