Hazards

Hazards are circumstances or situations with the potential to cause harm to people, property, or the environment. A hazard is not a danger by itself; danger arises only when exposure or vulnerability is present. In safety practice, hazards are identified and assessed to prevent harm before it occurs.

Hazards come in many forms. Physical hazards include noise, heat, cold, vibration, and moving machinery. Chemical hazards involve toxic substances, flammable liquids, and reactive materials. Biological hazards encompass bacteria, viruses, and other living agents. Ergonomic hazards stem from repetitive motions, awkward postures, or heavy lifting. Psychosocial hazards relate to stress, harassment, or work overload. Environmental hazards include natural events such as floods, earthquakes, and extreme weather, as well as chemical spills or contamination.

Hazard assessment combines identifying hazards with evaluating exposure, likelihood, and potential severity to determine risk. Methods include inspections, job hazard analysis, process safety reviews, and incident investigations. Risk is typically managed by applying controls that reduce exposure or consequences.

The preferred order of control is the hierarchy of controls: elimination or substitution of the hazard, engineering controls to remove exposure, administrative controls to change work practices, and personal protective equipment to reduce exposure. Organizations also emphasize training, early reporting, and continuous improvement to maintain safety.

Hazard management is part of broader health, safety, and environmental programs. Many jurisdictions and standards, such as ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, provide frameworks for identifying hazards, assessing risk, and implementing controls.