Week 2: Work Place Hazards & Safety Signs Memories

Workplace Hazards   
                                                       
A lesson on the seven different  types of hazards and examples linked to  them.
SEVEN  workplace hazards                                                            
                                                                                     Typical Falling Hazard
                                                                                Poorly maintained equipment

• Physical
• Chemical
• Biological
• Psychological Problems
• Mechanical/Electrical
• Ergonomic
• Radiation

Some examples of physical workplace hazards

• Incorrect lifting,untidy work area,spills on floors, poor ligthing.temporary electrical wiring.

Some examples of chemical workplace hazards

• Photocopier toner,dust,mites(air conditioner-air contaminates),mould,smoking

Some examples of biological workplace hazards

• Air contaminates,infections(coughing,sneezing)

Some examples of psychological workplace hazards

• Public abuse,long work hours,no positive feedback,poor work conditions,bullying,conflicts,arguments

Some examples of mechanical/electrical workplace hazards

• Broken unsafe equipment(paper shredders, cutters, electrical drills and saws),incorrectly using equipment,lack of training to use equipment correctly,poorly maintained equipment(photocopier),overloading electrical power boards

Some examples of ergonomics workplace hazards

• Poorly designed furniture(chairs,tables etc) or equipment(visual glare from computers,monitors),visual or reptative work

Some examples of radiation workplace hazards

• Ultraviolet light from equipment (photocopiers)

Workplace Ergonomics

Safety Signs and Category Colours
Safety signs and colors are useful tools to help protect the health and safety of employees and workplace by drawing attention to any obvious hazards and remind general information and directions.
These signs reminding employees to use:

• Protective equipment 
• Where emergency equipment is located 
• Prohibitions to certain actions
• Emergency exits

COLOURS                            SHAPES                         CATEGORIES

Red and Blue                         Circular                              Prohibition
Blue                                       Circular                              Mandatory Action
Yellow                                   Triangular                           Caution
Green & Red                         Square or Rectangle             Emergency