We spend a large portion of our lives in the workplace, so it’s essential for employers and the government to make sure workplaces are safe. However, even with strict legislation in place, hazards can still pose a risk, potentially leading to accidents or injuries

But what are the four main types of hazards in the workplace? In this helpful guide, we’ll run through chemical, biological, ergonomic and physical hazards, how to understand them and show you how to prevent accidents associated with them.

The four main types of hazard

Let’s explore the four main types of workplace hazard, ranging in severity and rarity depending on your profession and where you work:

Chemical hazards

Chemical hazards may sound like they’re only present in medical or waste industries, but they are actually present in most professional environments. A ‘chemical hazard’ refers to substances or materials that pose a threat to health or safety due to their chemical properties. Hazards arise when chemicals are being improperly handled, stored or maintained — notable chemical hazards include:

  • Cleaning products and disinfectants
  • Vapours and fumes from solvents
  • Flammable materials, like petrol
  • Pesticides and other toxic substances

If the worst has happened and you’ve been exposed to chemical hazards — you could face all sorts of health effects that range from skin irritation and respiratory problems to more severe conditions such as chemical burns or even chronic illnesses like cancer. 

Biological hazards

Biological hazards refer to exposure to infectious agents or other biological substances that could harm your health. While more prevalent in medical environments, biological hazards can also be present in other workplaces where employees work in close proximity to people, animals, or organic materials. Examples of biological hazard exposure include:

  • Blood and bodily fluids
  • Bacteria and viruses
  • Mould and animal droppings
  • Insect bites or stings

If you’ve been exposed to biological hazards, it could lead to infections, allergic reactions, or long-term illnesses. If you work in an industry where these hazards are present, it’s down to your employer to prevent your exposure by providing relevant training and tailored PPE for each risk.

Ergonomic hazards

Though much less severe than physical, chemical and biological hazards, ergonomic hazards are risks that arise from poor workplace design or improper body positioning. While they might not be immediately obvious, these hazards can lead to chronic injury or long term health issues over time. Some of the most common causes of ergonomic hazards are:

  • Repetitive motions
  • Poorly designed workstations or equipment
  • Lifting heavy loads incorrectly
  • Poor posture during tasks

If you’ve suffered due to an ergonomic hazard while at work, in some cases you could develop musculoskeletal disorders, like back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome or joint injuries. The earlier ergonomic hazards are addressed, the safer a workplace will become — these should be addressed in regular risk assessments.

Physical hazards

Finally, physical hazards come from the workplace environment itself and can vary depending on your profession. Examples of physical hazards include:

Physical hazards can cause injuries that range from minor cuts and scrapes to severe trauma or even fatalities. Again, your employer has a duty of care over you in the workplace, so they should conduct regular risk assessments to ensure these hazards are contained and limited, if not eradicated.

Other types of common workplace hazards

Though we’re looking at the four most prevalent types of workplace hazard, there are everyday risks that you should always be on the lookout for like slips, trips and falls. These include slippery surfaces like ice or snow, loose rugs or cables, or unlabelled cleaning products. While all falling into our above categories, you shouldn’t always rely on your employer to keep you safe. Use your initiative and always report a hazard if you see it before anyone else.

 

Identifying and assessing workplace health hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines for identifying and assessing workplace hazards. It’s up to you to work together with your employer to:

  • Conduct regular assessments to identify new or ongoing risks
  • Analyse the causes of workplace injuries or illnesses
  • Track trends in similar incidents to address recurring hazards

With these proactive measures in place, you’ll help to reduce accidents and create a culture of safety in the workplace.

 

Accident at work claims

If hazards in the workplace are not properly managed, be they chemical, biological, ergonomic or physical, they can result in serious personal injury. If you have been the victim of any workplace accident caused by negligence of your employer, you deserve compensation.

If you want justice, it’s time to get in touch with Express Solicitors. Our experienced legal team can guide you through the claims process and help you secure the compensation you deserve, whatever your injury or illness. Call us on 0161 904 4661 or Start your claim online