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Examples of Hazards
Examples of Hazards
Even though workplace safety is largely the responsibility of employers, you should always be aware of your surroundings and watch out for your own safety.
This page will discuss some (not all) of the hazards that you may face and should be aware of at your job or co-op placement.
Warning: please note that the videos below demonstrate some very serious injuries that could occur using animated wooden puppets. Do not view the videos if you are concerned about their effect on your mental health. You may go ahead to "More Examples of Hazards" below.
Video: Ice Cream Shop
This video shows an ice cream shop worker getting trapped in a walk-in freezer.
Industrial fridges and freezers are in a lot of workplaces including commercial kitchens, grocery stores, food manufacturing facilities, and more. It is important that the door mechanism to these walk-in fridges/freezers are in proper order, so that you are not trapped inside inadvertently.
Video: Outdoor Work
This video shows a worker falling into a hole.
A worker falling into a hole is no joke. Even a relatively small fall caused by an unmarked hole can cause injury, ranging from a sprained ankle to death.
Outdoors, there can be sinkholes, holes made by animals, or removed terrain. At construction sites, there could be an unmarked hole in the ground, floor, or roof. In some auto shops, you will find underground auto bays where the automotive technician actually works in the basement, through a giant hole in the ground.
Video: Vintage Shop
This video shows something falling on a worker.
Something falling on you? That's actually a very common cause of workplace injury, especially in retail, warehouse, or construction site. An ill-placed product, decision not to use a proper ladder, or a falling tool can have serious consequences.
Always make sure that you practice good housekeeping and follow proper safety protocols to retrieve or put away items in a retail or warehouse setting. At a construction site, make sure that there are proper toeboards and head protection in use.
Video: Deck
This video shows a tool based injury.
The importance of the proper use of properly maintained tools is being demonstrated in this video.
You should always check any tools before use for missing/broken/bent parts, fraying, or any other problems. You should always be trained before using any tools, and ask to be trained again if you are not sure that you can use it properly and safely. This is not limited too industrial, manufacturing, or construction settings. There are many tools used in retail, healthcare, and education settings as well!
Video: Smoothie Shop
This video shows an injury with kithen tools.
Ouch! A blender is a tool that you may use regularly at home. Hopefully, you know to use the blender cover to ensure that 1) you do not injure your hand, and 2) prevent the blended items from jumping out of the blender and causing injury.
On machines that have guards, make sure that the guards are present and that you use the machine and guard properly to ensure safe use.
More Examples of Hazards
More Examples of Hazards
Unfortunately, hazards can vary from workplace to workplace, so it is impossible to inform you of all possible hazards. However, below are some hazards that you may encounter at your job or co-op placement.
Biohazards - Anywhere with People
Humans are constantly sick. The small humans are especially prone to disease due to their weaker immune systems.
In medical or educational settings, you really want to practice proper hygiene and infection control methods to prevent getting sick from biohazards! Get to know where your hand-washing or sanitizing stations are in your workplace.
Image of a child sneezing.
Hazards in Medical Settings
Did you know that there are a lot of different hazards in medical workplaces such as medical offices, hospitals, dental offices, and more?
Anti-bacterial or anti-viral sanitizers
Cancer drugs that can permeate through skin
Biohazards
Sharps (needles, blades, dental tools)
Medical machines (X-ray, Radiation, etc)
A Phamacist counting pills.
Hazards in Auto Shops
If you are working at an auto shop, there are a lot of obvious and some less obvious hazards.
Chemical hazards (lubricants, oils, gases, etc)
Heavy lifting (auto parts, tires, rims)
Trip hazards (hoses, cables, spills, in-ground hoists)
Tools (blow torches, tire changers, grinding machines, hoists)
Fumes and exhaust
Repetitive actions
Loud noises
An automechanic using a blowtorch on a car.
Hazards in Industrial/Warehouse Settings
Keep your eyes open when you're in a warehouse! Those lines on the ground indicate where things can go, and where you can walk. Some hazards you need to watch for:
Heavy lifting and repetitive actions
Trip hazards
Mobile equipment (forklifts, hand pallet trucks)
Falling objects
Industrial machinery
Woman operating a forklift
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💡 Reflection
💡 Reflection
What are some hazards listed on this page that you may encounter at your next job or co-op placement?
Record your answer in your Student Workbook.
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