Hazards and Risks in the Workplace

Summary

This video script delves into the concepts of hazards and risks in daily life and the workplace. It explains that a hazard is a potential source of harm, while risk is the probability of that harm occurring. Workplace hazards are categorized into five types: physical, ergonomic, chemical, psychosocial, and biological. The script emphasizes the legal responsibility of Australian workplaces to maintain a safe environment and manage these hazards. It also highlights the importance of identifying and reporting hazards as part of everyday work tasks.

Takeaways

• 🚸 Hazards are potential sources of harm in our daily lives, such as busy roads or sporting activities.
• 🛑 Risk is the probability of a hazard causing harm, influenced by factors like distance or conditions.
• 🏢 Workplaces in Australia are legally required to maintain a safe environment and manage hazards and risks.
• 🔍 There are five categories of workplace hazards: physical, ergonomic, chemical, psychosocial, and biological.
• 🏗️ Physical hazards include environmental factors like vibration, heights, noise, and confined spaces.
• 💻 Ergonomic hazards stem from poor workstation setup or job design, often related to repetitive tasks or poor lighting.
• 🧪 Chemical hazards involve substances that can be hazardous through contact or inhalation, like cleaning agents or oven cleaners.
• 🌿 Biological hazards are caused by organic materials, such as mold.
• 🧠 Psychosocial hazards relate to work factors that can cause psychological harm, including stress, bullying, and harassment.
• 🔍 Identifying and reporting hazards is a shared responsibility in the workplace, with formal assessments required in specific circumstances like business expansion or new equipment introduction.

Q & A

What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm to a person, such as cars on a busy road. A risk, on the other hand, is the chance, whether it's high, medium, or low, that the hazard will cause harm, such as the risk of being hit by a car when crossing the road.

Why do people still engage in activities that pose risks, like driving or participating in sports?

People often engage in risky activities because of the benefits they offer, such as the convenience of driving or the physical and mental health benefits of sports and exercise.

What are the five categories of workplace hazards mentioned in the script?

The five categories of workplace hazards are physical, ergonomic, chemical, psychosocial, and biological.

Can you provide an example of a physical hazard in the workplace?

An example of a physical hazard in the workplace could be wires left laying on the floor, which could cause someone to trip and fall.

What is an ergonomic hazard and what are some examples?

An ergonomic hazard is caused by poor workstations or job design, often due to repetitive tasks. Examples include poor workstation setup, poor lighting, and repetitive lifting of boxes.

How can chemical hazards in the workplace be hazardous?

Chemical hazards are caused by chemicals that might come in solid, liquid, or gas form and can be hazardous through direct contact or inhalation. Examples include pest control substances, cleaning agents, oven cleaners, and bleach.

What is a biological hazard and provide a common example?

A biological hazard is caused by organic material. A common example is mold, which can grow in damp or poorly ventilated areas and pose a health risk.

What are psychosocial hazards and what are some examples?

Psychosocial hazards are work-related factors that can cause psychological harm. Examples include work-related stress, bullying, harassment, and fatigue.

Why is it important to identify and manage hazards and risks in the workplace?

It is important to identify and manage hazards and risks in the workplace because every workplace in Australia is legally responsible for maintaining a healthy and safe environment and must take measures to manage hazards and mitigate risks.

When might a workplace undertake a formal hazard assessment?

A workplace might undertake a formal hazard assessment when starting or expanding a business, opening a new location, changing work tasks, starting a new worker, working with new substances, or new equipment.

Who is responsible for reporting hazards in the workplace?

It is everyone's responsibility to report hazards as they are identified in the workplace.