Every person who’s in a workplace face hazards but knowing which ones to really be aware of could save your life. By identifying important risks, you are helping yourself be better prepared for avoiding accidents, injuries, and damage to the workplace. You will be one step ahead of the game if something terrible does occur by understanding the intricacies of the products, and therefore, you’ll know how to act fast.

Physical hazards

These types of hazards can be anything within the workplace environment that can harm the body even without touching it. Examples of this are radiation from ionizing and non-ionizing, temperature extremes and constant loud noise.

Fumes and Gases

Fumes from welding, grinding and other areas can be very hazardous to not only operators but visitors and other employees of the same factory as they can cause a range of health issues. This is because the compounds burnt during the welding process contain harmful substances; therefore, inhaling them or exposure can be detrimental to their health.

Good ventilation and efficient fume extraction systems are paramount for harmful fumes and gases as well as wearing the required safety clothing and glasses. If permanent fume extractors are not feasible due to space, then portable fume collectors are perfect for the job.

Chemical Hazards

You are under a serious threat of hazardous injury if you don’t take exactly the right precautions around chemical hazards. These are when you are exposed to any chemical preparation through solid, liquid, or gas and can cause illness, skin irritation, and breathing problems if subjected to them.

Liquids such as paints, solvents, and acids can be a real problem if not used correctly, especially if they are in unlabeled bottles. Flammable materials like solvents and explosive chemicals and pesticides are all chemicals to be aware of.

Ergonomic Hazard

One that is less obvious when listing hazards, but is just as important as the rest, is hazards that occur when the body is put under strain because of working conditions. These hazards are the hardest to pinpoint as there is not always a distinct start time, and you can’t see what damage has been done.

However, examples to be wary of are ill-fitted workstations and chairs, frequent heavy lifting beyond your capacity and having to use too much force, especially if you have to do it regularly.

Fire and Explosions

Working with molten metal and sparks can cause extreme heat which, if put into contact with other combustible material of flammable gas, can lead to fire or explosions. If working with substances such as these, make sure you don’t work near fuels or hydraulic lines, keep combustible materials away from the work area and use fire-resistant shields.

Working in industries that face these hazards can make it a very precarious place to be if you’re not educated and aware of what is surrounding you. Respecting every chemical, gas, fume, and maximum physical output for your body means that you are limiting the amount of injury you can cause yourself and others you work with.