CCOHS: Hazards

<!DOCTYPE html> <html class="no-js" lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <title> CCOHS: Hazards </title> <meta content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" name="viewport" /> <meta property="og:title" content="CCOHS: Hazards" /> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.ccohs.ca/topics/hazards" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.ccohs.ca/images/twitter_cards/twitter_card.png" /> <meta property="og:description" content="The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) promotes a safe and healthy working environment by providing occupational health and safety information and advice." /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@ccohs" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="CCOHS: Hazards" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) promotes a safe and healthy working environment by providing occupational health and safety information and advice." /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.ccohs.ca/images/twitter_cards/twitter_card.png" /> <meta name="description" content="The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) promotes a safe and healthy working environment by providing occupational health and safety information and advice." /> <meta name="keywords" content="CCOHS, CCHST, OSH, OH&S, EHS, health and safety, health, safety, workplace, occupational, environment, ergonomics, RMI, RSI, chemical safety, chemical hazards, WHMIS, WHMIS II, MSDS, Material Safety Data Sheet, FTSS, Fiches techniques sur la sécurité des substances, injury, CAS, health and safety training, health and safety guide, environmental health and safety legislation" /> <meta name="dcterms.title" content="CCOHS: Hazards" /> <meta name="dcterms.creator" content="Government of Canada, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety" /> <meta name="dcterms.issued" title="W3CDTF" content="2025-01-23" /> <meta name="dcterms.modified" title="W3CDTF" content="2025-01-23" /> <meta name="dcterms.language" title="ISO639-2" content="eng" /> <link href="/assets/favicon.ico" rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" /> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/wet-css/wet-boew.min.css" /> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/wet-css/theme_ccohs.min.css" /> <script type="text/JavaScript"> var section_name = ""; 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chemical, ergonomic, physical, and psychosocial, to name a few - which can cause harm or adverse effects in the workplace. Get resources on specific hazards and their control, including identification, risk assessment and inspections, to keep your workplace healthy and safe.</p> </div> <div class="col-md-6 margin-top-small"> <figure><img class="keytopics_image" height="210" width="540" src="/images/pageHeaders/hazards.jpg" alt="Hazards"/></figure> </div> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="panels-flexible-row panels-flexible-row-landingpages-2 clearfix"> <div class="inside panels-flexible-row-inside panels-flexible-row-landingpages-2-inside clearfix"> <div class="panels-flexible-region panels-flexible-region-landingpages-midtopcontent panels-flexible-region-first panels-flexible-region-last"> <div class="inside panels-flexible-region-inside panels-flexible-region-landingpages-midtopcontent-inside panels-flexible-region-inside-first panels-flexible-region-inside-last"> <div class="panel-pane pane-views pane-hazardsviews"> <div class="pane-content"> <div class="view view-hazardsviews view-id-hazardsviews view-display-id-block_9 view-dom-id-9a5ae199e922897f588507424b994e07"> <div class="view-header"> <p style="padding-left: 15px;"> <span style="display: inline-block; padding-top: 10px;">Choose from the following types of hazards:</span> </p> </div> <div class="view-content"> <div id="views-bootstrap-tab-1" class="views-bootstrap-tab-plugin-style"> <div class="wb-tabs wb-eqht wb-navtabs tab-history" role="tablist"> <div class="tabpanels"> <details id="1-0" > <summary>Chemicals</summary> <p>Access chemical information with substance. Find resources on chemical hazards, product safety, WHMIS, (M)SDSs, transport of hazardous materials, toxicity, and safe work practices.</p> <div class="row" style="margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px;"> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Chemicals</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Every workplace has chemicals - ranging from cleaning products to full scale chemical production. If chemicals are...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/chemical/chemicals">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Effects on the body</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>In order for a chemical to become hazardous to a person's health, it must first contact or enter the body and the...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/chemical/effects">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>WHMIS/GHS/SDS</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>WHMIS is a comprehensive system for providing information on the safe use of hazardous products in Canadian...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/chemical/whmis">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> </div> </details> <details id="1-1" > <summary>Ergonomic</summary> <p>Ergonomics is matching the job to the worker and product to the user. Access information and resources on workplace design and considerations, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, related risks, and helpful exercises.</p> <div class="row" style="margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px;"> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Lifting, pushing, pulling</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Manual materials handling (MMH) means moving or handling things by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying,...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/ergonomic/lifting">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Sitting, standing, …</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Continuous standing or sitting while working is a common source of discomfort and fatigue. Frequent changes of...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/ergonomic/sitting">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are a group of painful disorders of muscles, tendons, and nerves. Injuries can...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/ergonomic/wsmd">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Lighting</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Whether in industrial or office settings, proper lighting makes all work tasks easier. Appropriate lighting can...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/ergonomic/lighting">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Shiftwork</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>A reality for about 25 percent of North American workers, shiftwork can disrupt workers' family and personal lives...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/ergonomic/shiftwork">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Office</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Working in an office may seem harmless but musculoskeletal injuries can develop over time, especially for workers...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/ergonomic/office">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Tools</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>For many workers, tools are a necessary part of getting the job done. Select tools that are right for the task,...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/ergonomic/tools">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> </div> </details> <details id="1-2" > <summary>Health</summary> <p>Many workplace hazards have the potential to harm workers' short- and long-term health, resulting in diseases, disorders and injuries.</p> <div class="row" style="margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px;"> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Pandemics</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>In terms of illness, a pandemic is an outbreak of any disease such as typhoid or influenza (flu) on a large,...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/health/pandemics">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Biological</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Sources of biological hazards may include bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and humans. These...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/health/biological">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Diseases, Disorders, Injuries</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>A wide range of conditions may result from exposure in the workplace. Examples include asthma, cancer, carpal...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/health/diseases">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Mould</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Moulds can grow almost everywhere and for some people the inhalation of the mould or spores can lead to health...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/health/mould">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Zoonotic Diseases</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Zoonotic diseases, such as West Nile virus infection, rabies, avian flu, and Lyme disease, are spread to humans...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/health/zoonotic-diseases">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> </div> </details> <details id="1-3" > <summary>Physical</summary> <p>Physical hazards are substances or activities that threaten your physical safety. They are the most common and are present in most workplaces at one time or another. These include unsafe conditions that can cause injury, illness and death.</p> <div class="row" style="margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px;"> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Temperature</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Both very cold and very hot temperatures can be dangerous to your health. In a very hot environment, the most...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/physical/temperature">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Indoor Air Quality</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Common causes of indoor air problems include inadequate temperature, lack of humidity or lighting; exposure to...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/physical/iaq">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Noise</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Noise is one of the most common workplace health hazards. In heavy industrial and manufacturing environments, as...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/physical/noise">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Radiation</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Sunlight is the greatest source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Man-made UV sources include UV lamps, arc welding,...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/physical/radiation">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> </div> </details> <details id="1-4" > <summary>Psychosocial</summary> <p>Learn about stress, violence, bullying, and other behaviours in the context of a workplace environment.</p> <div class="row" style="margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px;"> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Stress</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Workplace stress is the harmful physical and emotional responses that can happen when there is a conflict between...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/psychosocial/stress">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Violence / Bullying</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><aside class="cta-well">...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/psychosocial/violence">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> </div> </details> <details id="1-5" > <summary>Safety</summary> <p>Safety hazards include tools, machinery, materials, handling, tractors, welding, etc. Also covered are prevention of slips, trips and falls, as well as driving tips and working safely with compressed air.</p> <div class="row" style="margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px;"> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Driving</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>A lot can happen when you're behind the wheel of a car or truck. Learn about common driving hazards and...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/safety/driving">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Electrical</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>All electrical systems have the potential to cause harm. The voltage of the electricity and the available...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/safety/electrical">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Forklifts</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Forklift trucks should be operated only by experienced workers who are trained, certified or licensed to perform...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/safety/forklifts">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Garages</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>There are many precautions that you need to take when working in a garage. Know the hazards associated with the...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/safety/garages">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Ladders</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Work safely with ladders, from selection and inspection, to storage and handling, and all the steps...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/safety/ladders">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Machinery</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Machines help get the job done, but can also be dangerous if not used properly. Read the owner's manuals...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/safety/machinery">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Material Handling</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Materials handling involves many activities, including the movement, protection, storage, and control of products...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/safety/handling">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Platforms</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Platforms are elevated or suspended temporary work surfaces used to support workers who need to complete tasks at...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/safety/platforms">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Slips, trips and falls</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Slips, trips and same-level falls result from some a kind of unintended or unexpected change in the contact...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/safety/slips">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Tools</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>For many workers, tools are a necessary part of getting the job done. Select tools that are right for the task,...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/safety/tools">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> </div> </details> <details id="1-6" > <summary>Workplace</summary> <p>Hazards can be found in every workplace, and can come from a wide range of sources. This section looks at some of the more common workplace hazards, and how to eliminate or control them.</p> <div class="row" style="margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px;"> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Confined Spaces</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>All hazards found in a regular workspace such as air quality, chemical exposures, and fires, can also be found in...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/workplace/confinedspaces">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Indoor Air Quality</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Common causes of indoor air problems include inadequate temperature, lack of humidity or lighting; exposure to...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/workplace/iaq">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Lasers</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>There are two types of laser hazards: the laser beam hazards and the non-beam hazards. Laser beam hazards include...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/workplace/lasers">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Scents</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>When we talk about scents, we usually mean the smells or odours from cosmetics or from other products such as air...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/workplace/scents">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Temperature</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Both very cold and very hot temperatures can be dangerous to your health. In a very hot environment, the most...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/workplace/temperature">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Ventilation</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Ventilation is the mechanical system in a building that brings in fresh outdoor air and removes the contaminated...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/workplace/ventilation">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Violence</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Most people think of violence as a physical assault. However, workplace violence is a much broader problem. It is...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/workplace/violence">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Weather</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>You can't control the weather but you can be prepared for it, from cold to hot temperatures, to lightning storms,...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/workplace/weather">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Working Alone</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p> The main focus is integrating health and safety in home-based office work through telework agreements and the...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/workplace/alone">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> <div class="col col-lg-4 subtopic"> <div class="headercolor"></div> <h3>Travel Health and Safety</h3> <div class="views-field views-field-field-bean-wetkit-body"> <div class="field-content"><p>Some organizations require individuals to travel abroad for work. Employers must identify all hazards to which...</div> <div class="text-right mrgn-bttm-0 fontSize90"> <a href="/topics/hazards/workplace/travel-health-safety">More about</a> > </div> </div> </div> </div> </details> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="panels-flexible-row panels-flexible-row-landingpages-1 clearfix"> <div class="inside panels-flexible-row-inside panels-flexible-row-landingpages-1-inside clearfix"> <div class="panels-flexible-region panels-flexible-region-landingpages-maincontent panels-flexible-region-first panels-flexible-region-last"> <div class="inside panels-flexible-region-inside panels-flexible-region-landingpages-maincontent-inside panels-flexible-region-inside-first panels-flexible-region-inside-last"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="panels-flexible-row panels-flexible-row-landingpages-main-row clearfix"> <div class="inside panels-flexible-row-inside panels-flexible-row-landingpages-main-row-inside clearfix"> <div 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