Common Hazards in the Workplace Flashcards

What are the main hazards in an office environment?

Answer: DSE-related musculoskeletal problems, slips/trips/falls, electrical hazards, fire, stress, poor IAQ, and manual handling (e.g., paper/equipment)

Office hazards include: musculoskeletal problems from poor workstation setup, slips/trips from cables and wet floors, electrical hazards from portable equipment, fire risks, work-related stress, poor indoor air quality, manual handling (boxes of paper, equipment), and violence/aggression (in public-facing roles).

What is 'Legionella risk assessment' and when is it needed?

Answer: A risk assessment of water systems to identify and control the risk of Legionella bacteria growth, required for all premises with a water system

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, all duty holders must assess the risk of Legionella from their water systems. This includes identifying and assessing sources of risk, implementing controls (temperature management, cleaning, treatment), and keeping records.

What are the main hazards of welding?

Answer: UV radiation (arc eye), fume inhalation, burns, fire, electric shock, noise, and musculoskeletal problems from awkward postures

Welding hazards include: UV and IR radiation causing 'arc eye' and skin burns, inhalation of welding fumes (which may contain manganese, chromium, nickel), burns from hot metal and sparks, fire from heat and sparks, electric shock, noise, and musculoskeletal problems from prolonged awkward positions.

What is the significance of 'risk rating' for common workplace hazards?

Answer: Risk ratings help prioritise which hazards need the most urgent attention and resources, ensuring the most significant risks are addressed first

Risk ratings (likelihood × severity) help prioritise action. Not all hazards require the same level of attention — a high-risk hazard (high likelihood × high severity) needs urgent action, while a low-risk hazard may be acceptable with existing controls. Ratings ensure resources are directed where they're needed most.

What is 'whole body vibration' (WBV) and which workers are most at risk?

Answer: Vibration transmitted through the seat or floor to drivers and operators of mobile machinery such as forklift trucks, tractors, and dumper trucks

WBV is transmitted through the seat or feet when driving or operating mobile machinery. Workers most at risk include forklift truck drivers, tractor operators, dumper truck drivers, bus and lorry drivers, and anyone operating mobile plant on rough terrain. It can cause lower back pain and spinal disorders.

What is the employer's duty regarding asbestos in their premises?

Answer: Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the duty holder must identify asbestos-containing materials, assess condition, manage the risk, and maintain an asbestos register

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 4 'duty to manage'), the duty holder must: identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in premises, assess their condition, presume materials contain asbestos if uncertain, develop a management plan, maintain an asbestos register, and inform anyone who may disturb it.