3 Types of Environmental Hazards in the Workplace

Every day, we encounter various environmental hazards, both at home and in the workplace. Understanding these workplace hazards is crucial to safeguarding yourself and your employees. Over 60% of Australian workers face multiple hazards on the job, averaging 2.6 hazards per worker across nine categories of safety hazards, including airborne threats and chemical exposure. By being informed, you can better protect your team and yourself.

Quick summary: Workplace environmental hazards generally fall into three categories: chemical, physical, and biological. Each carries distinct exposure risks and requires tailored controls to protect worker health, alongside separate consideration for psychosocial hazards that affect mental wellbeing.

Let's break down the main types of environmental hazards in detail and explore strategies for mitigating their impact on worker safety and business operations.

What are Environmental Hazards in the Workplace?

Environmental hazards in the workplace are factors or conditions that can cause harm to employees' health and safety. These hazards can be present in any industry and vary based on the type of work and materials used. You may not always be able to see, smell, or hear these hazards. Such dangers, including exposure to harmful chemicals, poor workplace ergonomics, or biological risks, can lead to injuries, illnesses, and long-term health problems for employees. 

Why Awareness is Crucial

Ignoring environmental safety hazards while in the workplace can lead to severe consequences for both workers and businesses.

• Health Issues: Employees may face serious health issues such as chronic illnesses, respiratory conditions, or workplace injuries caused by exposure to harmful chemicals, poor ergonomics, or biological risks.
• Regulatory Fines: For businesses, neglecting these issues can bring hefty regulatory fines and legal action due to non-compliance with workplace safety standards.
• Operational Disruptions: Failing to prioritise hazard management may also cause significant operational disruptions. For example, a workplace accident can result in the shutdown of operations, impacting productivity and revenue.

Types of Environmental Hazards

Chemical, physical, and biological hazards are the most common hazard types. These three sit under environmental hazards, and each requires specific controls to ensure worker safety. It's worth noting that psychosocial hazards, such as bullying, harassment, or work-related violence, are managed separately but remain equally important for overall wellbeing.

Chemical Hazards

Chemical hazards are substances that can cause harm due to their chemical nature. They refer to materials that pose a threat to human health when inhaled, ingested, or touched. These dangers can be found in various forms, including liquids, gases, solids, dust, or vapours. Exposure to chemicals can occur through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion.

Some examples of chemical hazards include:

• Asbestos
• Toxic Chemicals: Substances like cyanide, arsenic, and mercury
• Corrosive Chemicals: Acids such as sulfuric acid and bases like sodium hydroxide
• Flammable Chemicals: Substances such as gasoline, ethanol, and acetone
• Reactive Chemicals: Chemicals like sodium and potassium
• Carcinogens: Chemicals like asbestos, benzene, and formaldehyde
• Irritants: Substances like chlorine gas and ammonia
• Mutagens and Teratogens: Chemicals like thalidomide and certain pesticides

Examples by Industry:

• Construction: Paints, adhesives, cleaning chemicals
• Healthcare: Germicides, disinfectants, chemotherapy drugs
• Manufacturing: Solvents, acids, lubricants
• Agriculture: Pesticides, fertilisers, animal waste
• Food Industry: Additives, preservatives, cleaning chemicals

Best Practices for Managing Chemical Hazards

To ensure worker safety, it is vital to follow these best practices for handling and storing chemicals in the workplace:

• Proper Labelling: Hazardous chemicals are classified under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). This system uses labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and registers to explain chemical properties and dangers.
• Compliance with Regulatory Framework: The primary regulation governing hazardous chemicals in Australia is the Work Health and Safety Regulation. Its key components include:
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
  • Chemicals Register
  • Risk Assessment and Management
  • Notification to Regulators
• Proper Storage of Chemicals: Chemicals must be stored in appropriate containers in well-ventilated facilities. Segregate incompatible substances to prevent reactions.
• Use Appropriate PPE: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to protect workers from exposure. Appropriate gear may include respirators, gloves, face shields, and coveralls.

Physical Hazards

Physical hazards are things that can cause harm without touching the body. Unlike chemical exposures, this category does not involve harmful substances entering the body. Such dangers are often a direct result of a workplace's location or activities. They can come in various forms, and here are some common examples:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Occur when workers lose their balance due to slippery floors or obstacles in the workplace
• Unsafe Machinery: Employees are at risk of machinery accidents if they use faulty equipment, operate machines without proper training, or fail to follow safety protocols.
• Noise: Excessive sound levels that can lead to hearing loss or stress
• Vibration: Repeated exposure to vibration, for instance, from machinery
• Radiation: Exposure to ionising radiation (like X-rays) and non-ionizing radiation (like UV rays)
• Extreme Temperatures: Working in an extremely hot or cold environment
• Poor Lighting: Insufficient or excessive lighting
• Ergonomic Hazards: Poor workstation design or repetitive motion while performing tasks

Safety Measures for Physical Hazards

In Australia, managing physical hazards in the workplace is governed by a comprehensive framework of legislation and guidelines, as outlined by Safe Work Australia. Here are some best practices for controlling these risks:

• Comply with Legal Obligations: All businesses must comply with WHS laws, which require them to:
  • Identify Hazards
  • Risk Management Process
  • Hierarchy of Controls
  • Monitor and Review Control Measures

Mitigation Strategies Per Type:

• Noise
  • Soundproofing
  • Equipment maintenance
• Radiation
  • Radiation shielding
  • Controlled access areas
  • Equip workers with radiation dosimeters
• Vibration
  • Use vibration-reduction features in equipment
  • Ensure workstations and tools are ergonomically designed
  • Task rotation
• Temperature Extremes
  • Install HVAC systems to regulate temperature
  • Provide heat-resistant clothing
  • Set up shaded, ventilated rest zones and heated shelters
  • Use sensors to monitor temperature levels

Employee Training and PPE Usage: Educating staff on hazards and their role in prevention is crucial for managing safety risks effectively.

Biological Hazards

Biological hazards, also known as biohazards, are substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. These dangers can come from various sources, including:

• Pathogens: Disease-causing microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi
• Toxins: Harmful substances produced by living organisms or created synthetically (e.g., pesticides)
• Allergens: Substances that can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals
• Parasites: Organisms such as malaria and Giardia can lead to serious health issues.

The industries and occupations at or exposed to a higher risk of biological hazards and diseases include:

• Health care workers
• Agriculture workers
• Waste management personnel

Preventing Exposure to Biological Hazards

Prevention is the best approach for managing biological hazards. Here are some strategies businesses can implement to reduce health risks stemming from exposure:

• Encourage Best Practices: Educate staff on proper personal hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and other infection control measures.
• Vaccinations: a proactive measure to keep employees safe from preventable infectious diseases, particularly in high-risk environments
• Antimicrobial Cleaning Agents Use: Disinfectants kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi on frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, and shared equipment.
• Workplace Policies for Managing Biological Waste: Safely disposing of biological waste reduces exposure risk to harmful agents. Here are some best practices for safe waste handling policies:
  • Proper Labelling and Segmentation for Biological Waste: Separating sharp objects, infectious materials, and general trash.
  • Partner with certified waste management services to dispose of biohazard materials
  • Equip personnel handling waste with appropriate PPE
• Protocols for Managing Potential Outbreaks: Establishing protocols for managing outbreaks (such as COVID-19), which include:
  • Isolation Measures: Includes protocols such as quarantining infected individuals
  • Incident Response Plans: outlining how the business will respond to outbreaks
  • Communication Plans: mechanisms for staff to report symptoms or exposure concerns
  • Monitoring and Surveillance: regularly reviewing and updating protocols and compliance with regulations.

Manage Health and Safety Hazards With SafetyDocs

Environmental hazards in the workplace are factors or conditions that can harm employees' health and safety. These dangers can exist in any industry and often vary depending on the type of work and materials used. Left unaddressed, they can lead to injuries, illnesses, and long-term issues for employees.

SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture offers professionally developed safety documents designed to help businesses identify and manage these risks effectively. Whether you’re addressing chemical hazards, ergonomic risks, biological exposures, or psychosocial hazards in the workplace, our comprehensive range of documents can assist you in creating a safer workplace while meeting compliance standards. Browse our environmental management plans or read more about hazard reporting for workplace health and safety, and contact us today to find the right tools for your business needs.

Author - Craig Cruickshank is the HSEQ Manager and Senior Technical Advisor at SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture.

Craig comes from a construction and environmental background, with experience in both the private and public sectors and is passionate about making health and safety information easy to find and understand for everyone.

Learn more about Craig's work on LinkedIn

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Please note that the above information is provided as a comment only and should not be relied on as professional, legal or financial advice.