Hazardous system is designed to protect the health and safety of workers. Information must be provided about the safe handling, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous items. There are many contributing factors to creating or increasing the risks of hazards.
People: Action, or lack of action, can create workplace hazards. Knowledge and training is critical to avoid unsafe behaviours. Solid leadership that puts health and safety top of mind can help ensure safe work practices and procedures are followed.
Equipment: Tools and machines can be hazardous. Look for unsafe or unhealthy conditions, such as inadequate guarding or barriers; defective tools and equipment; incorrect tools and equipment for the job; or inadequate warning systems.
Materials: Some materials, such as hazardous chemicals, pose a hazard in and of themselves. In other cases, handling materials improperly or using the wrong material for the task can pose a hazard.
Environment: Some hazards are created by the work environment. Look for things like the condition of all work surfaces and walkways; overcrowding; poor ventilation; poor lighting; extreme temperatures or noise; or poor housekeeping.
Process: Process involves a combination of people, equipment, materials, and environment. It includes design, organization, pace, and type of work. Byproducts created by the process may be hazards, such as heat, noise, dust, vapours, fumes, and scrap materials.
