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Hazard identification

Risks can only be managed if they are known about. Identifying risks to health and safety in the company is therefore one of the main safety tasks. As part of a company inspection, checks are usually carried out to see whether the company has identified the existing hazards in the company. If hazards have been identified, measures must be drawn up to ensure that these hazards are not  harmful to health.

The following hazards can be distinguished:

Mechanical hazards

For example:
- corners;
- edges;
- ramps;
- tilting parts;
- rolling parts;
- etc.

Trip and fall hazards

For example caused by:
- slippery floors and steps;
- differences in level;
- obstacles on traffic routes;
- unsuitable footwear;
- cables on the floor,
- etc.

Electrical hazards

For example caused by:
- electric shocks due to defective cables or plugs;
- etc.

Stresses on the musculoskeletal system

For example caused by:
- repetitive movements;
- ergonomically unfavourable workplaces;
- frequent lifting and carrying of loads;
- forced postures;
- etc.

Specific physical stresses

For example caused by:
- noise;
- UV radiation;
- electromagnetic fields;
- ultrasound;
- underpressure or overpressure;
- etc.

Substances harmful to health (chemical/biological)

For example caused by: inhalation/skin contact;
- toxic substances;
- carcinogenic substances;
- corrosive substances;
- bacteria, viruses;
- etc.

Thermal hazards

For example caused by:
- hot or cryogenic surfaces;
- hot or cryogenic liquids;
- steam;
- frying oil;
- etc.

Fire and explosion hazards

For example caused by:
- propane and butane gas;
- flammable propellants in spray cans;
- hand held gas burners;
- alcohol;
- combustible dusts;
- etc.

Stress due to working environments

For example caused by:
- indoor climate;
- heat/cold;
- humidity;
- draughts;
- cold;
- etc.

Hazards due to poor work organisation

For example caused by:
- lack of qualifications;
- inadequate training/briefing;
- non-compliance with working hours and rest periods, night work,
- etc.

Mental stress

For example caused by:
- excessive demands;
- highly repetitive activities;
- discrimination, bullying;
- too little scope for action and decision-making;
- etc.

Hazards due to unexpected actions

For example caused by:
- uncontrolled movement
- unexpected start-up of machines
- etc.

Hazard due to power supply outage

For example caused by:
- failure of the control function;
- failure of the cooling system.
- etc.