100 Common Workplace Hazards

Workplace hazards are potential sources of harm or adverse effects on the health of workers. Identifying and mitigating these hazards is essential to maintaining a safe working environment.

Below is a detailed list of 100 common workplace hazards, grouped by type, with examples and preventive measures.

Table of Contents

Physical Hazards
Chemical Hazards
Biological Hazards
Ergonomic Hazards
Psychosocial Hazards
Mechanical Hazards
Environmental Hazards
Workplace Design Hazards
Miscellaneous Hazards
Specific Industry Hazards

Physical Hazards

These are environmental factors that can cause injury or illness.

Hazard	Description	Example	Preventive Measures
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls	Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered walkways	Spilled liquids, loose cables, uneven flooring	Regular cleaning, use of warning signs, maintenance
2. Noise	High noise levels affecting hearing and concentration	Machinery, construction sites	Hearing protection, soundproofing, noise monitoring
3. Vibration	Continuous exposure to vibrating machinery	Jackhammers, power tools	Anti-vibration gloves, regular breaks
4. Temperature Extremes	Exposure to very high or low temperatures	Working in freezers, hot kitchens	Climate control, proper clothing, hydration
5. Electrical Hazards	Unsafe electrical installations or faulty equipment	Damaged power cords, exposed wiring	Regular inspections, use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
6. Radiation	Exposure to harmful levels of radiation	X-rays, ultraviolet (UV) light, welding	Shielding, monitoring exposure levels
7. Ergonomic Hazards	Poor posture or repetitive movements leading to musculoskeletal disorders	Office workers, assembly line workers	Ergonomic workstations, proper lifting techniques
8. Inadequate Lighting	Poorly lit work areas leading to accidents	Dimly lit warehouses or parking lots	Installing proper lighting systems
9. Falling Objects	Items falling from heights, causing injury	Tools falling from scaffolding	Use of helmets, securing tools
10. Confined Spaces	Limited space with restricted air flow, leading to suffocation or entrapment	Storage tanks, tunnels, manholes	Confined space permits, air monitoring, training

Chemical Hazards

Hazards related to exposure to chemicals in the workplace.

Hazard	Description	Example	Preventive Measures
11. Chemical Spills	Accidental release of harmful chemicals	Oil spill, solvent leak	Spill kits, proper storage, training
12. Asbestos Exposure	Breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to lung diseases	Old buildings, construction sites	Protective equipment, asbestos abatement
13. Toxic Fumes	Inhalation of toxic fumes from chemicals	Welding, working with solvents	Ventilation, respiratory protection
14. Dust and Particulates	Fine particles that can cause respiratory issues	Construction dust, mining	Dust extraction systems, masks, wet suppression
15. Corrosive Substances	Contact with corrosive materials that can cause skin or eye damage	Acids, bases, cleaning agents	Protective gloves, goggles, proper labeling
16. Flammable Chemicals	Chemicals that can ignite easily and cause fires or explosions	Gasoline, alcohol, acetone	Proper storage, fire extinguishers, no smoking signs
17. Lead Exposure	Exposure to lead through inhalation or ingestion	Paints, batteries	Lead-safe work practices, monitoring
18. Pesticides	Chemicals used to control pests, which can harm workers through contact	Farms, pest control	Proper training, PPE, minimizing exposure
19. Solvents	Chemicals used to dissolve other substances that can cause skin irritation	Paint thinners, degreasers	Ventilation, PPE, training
20. Carcinogens	Chemicals that can cause cancer	Benzene, formaldehyde, asbestos	Substitution, ventilation, respiratory protection

Biological Hazards

These hazards involve exposure to harmful biological substances.

Hazard	Description	Example	Preventive Measures
21. Bloodborne Pathogens	Exposure to infectious agents through blood	Needlestick injuries, healthcare workers	PPE, vaccination, proper disposal of sharp objects
22. Molds and Fungi	Exposure to airborne spores that can cause respiratory issues	Moldy walls, damp workspaces	Proper ventilation, humidity control
23. Bacteria and Viruses	Pathogens that can cause infections	Foodborne bacteria, viruses in healthcare settings	Hygiene practices, PPE, sterilization protocols
24. Animal Bites	Risks of infections or injuries from animal interactions	Farm workers, veterinarians	Proper handling, vaccination, first aid training
25. Allergens	Exposure to allergens that can cause allergic reactions	Pollen, animal dander	Air filtration, masks, medication
26. Plant Toxins	Harmful exposure to plant toxins	Poison ivy, oak	Training, protective clothing
27. Biological Waste	Contact with contaminated biological waste	Medical waste, lab waste	Proper disposal procedures, PPE
28. Sewage Exposure	Health risks from contact with sewage	Sewage workers, plumbing workers	Proper hygiene, training, PPE
29. Insect Stings	Allergic reactions or infections from insect stings or bites	Bee stings, mosquito bites	Pest control, insect repellent, first aid kits
30. Parasites	Workers exposed to parasites through food, water, or animals	Farm workers, healthcare settings	Proper sanitation, hygiene practices

Ergonomic Hazards

These hazards arise from the physical demands of work tasks.

Hazard	Description	Example	Preventive Measures
31. Repetitive Motion	Repetitive tasks leading to strain and injury	Typing, assembly line work	Ergonomic adjustments, regular breaks
32. Poor Posture	Bad sitting or standing posture causing back pain and injury	Office workers, cashiers	Ergonomic chairs, proper posture training
33. Overexertion	Lifting or carrying heavy loads improperly	Warehouse workers, movers	Proper lifting techniques, use of mechanical aids
34. Awkward Movements	Unnatural or awkward movements causing strain	Reaching overhead, bending	Ergonomic tools, task design
35. Vibration Exposure	Continuous use of vibrating equipment causing musculoskeletal issues	Power tool operators	Anti-vibration gloves, frequent breaks
36. Standing for Long Periods	Prolonged standing causing fatigue or musculoskeletal issues	Retail workers, factory workers	Anti-fatigue mats, adjustable workstations
37. Forceful Exertions	Using excessive force during tasks leading to injury	Lifting heavy objects, pushing heavy carts	Proper training, mechanical aids
38. Static Posture	Holding the same position for extended periods	Surgeons, office workers	Posture adjustments, regular breaks
39. Lifting and Carrying	Improper lifting and carrying techniques causing strain	Warehouse workers, delivery personnel	Proper training, lifting equipment
40. Reaching and Bending	Frequent reaching or bending leading to strain	Construction workers, assembly line workers	Workstation design, ergonomic tools

Psychosocial Hazards

These are hazards that affect the mental and emotional well-being of workers.

Hazard	Description	Example	Preventive Measures
41. Workplace Stress	High work demands, tight deadlines, or conflicts causing mental health issues	Office workers, healthcare workers	Stress management programs, workload balancing
42. Bullying	Harassment or intimidation by coworkers or supervisors	Toxic work environments	Anti-bullying policies, training, conflict resolution
43. Violence	Threats or acts of physical violence in the workplace	Security personnel, retail workers	Security measures, training in conflict de-escalation
44. Work-Life Imbalance	Overworking leading to burnout and family issues	Managers, executives	Flexible work hours, promoting work-life balance
45. Job Insecurity	Fear of job loss causing anxiety or stress	Seasonal workers, contract workers	Open communication, job security programs
46. Long Working Hours	Excessive working hours leading to fatigue and stress	Healthcare workers, truck drivers	Adequate breaks, regulating overtime
47. Lack of Control	Workers feeling they have no control over their tasks	Assembly line workers, fast food workers	Empowering employees, involving them in decisions
48. Isolation	Working in remote or isolated locations leading to loneliness	Remote workers, night shift workers	Social support systems, regular check-ins
49. Shift Work	Irregular working hours disrupting sleep patterns	Healthcare workers, factory workers	Providing adequate rest, adjusting shift rotations
50. Workplace Discrimination	Unfair treatment based on race, gender, or other characteristics	Women, minority workers	Anti-discrimination policies, promoting inclusivity

Mechanical Hazards

Hazards that arise from machinery and equipment use.

Hazard	Description	Example	Preventive Measures
51. Unguarded Machinery	Exposure to moving parts of machinery	Conveyor belts, cutting machines	Installing guards, lockout/tagout procedures
52. Pinch Points	Parts of machinery where body parts can be caught	Gears, pulleys, presses	Machine guarding, proper training
53. Rotating Equipment	Machinery with rotating parts that can cause entanglement	Lathes, drills	Guarding, ensuring proper PPE
54. Moving Vehicles	Risk of being hit or run over by moving vehicles	Forklifts, delivery trucks	High-visibility clothing, safety barriers
55. Machine Malfunctions	Equipment failure leading to accidents	Press failures, conveyor jams	Regular maintenance, safety inspections
56. Sharp Edges	Exposure to sharp edges of machinery or tools	Knives, cutting equipment	Guarding sharp edges, PPE
57. Crushing Hazards	Machinery parts that can crush workers or body parts	Hydraulic presses, forklifts	Guarding, safety protocols, proper training
58. Entanglement Hazards	Loose clothing or hair getting caught in machinery	Conveyors, chains, rollers	Proper PPE, securing loose clothing
59. High-Speed Machinery	Fast-moving machinery posing a risk of injury	Spinning saws, conveyor belts	Speed controls, machine guarding
60. Ejected Materials	Flying debris or materials from machinery	Wood chips, metal shards	Machine guarding, safety glasses, proper maintenance

Environmental Hazards

Hazards that originate from the surrounding environment or workplace conditions.

Hazard	Description	Example	Preventive Measures
61. Air Quality Issues	Poor air quality from pollutants or inadequate ventilation	Dust, fumes, indoor air pollution	Ventilation systems, air quality monitoring
62. Poor Housekeeping	Cluttered or messy workspaces leading to accidents	Spilled liquids, scattered tools	Regular cleaning, organizing workspaces
63. Outdoor Weather Hazards	Working in extreme weather conditions	Heat waves, storms, cold exposure	Weather monitoring, appropriate PPE, hydration
64. Water Hazards	Flooding or working near water bodies that pose a risk	Dock workers, construction near rivers	Safety barriers, proper equipment
65. Pests and Vermin	Insects or rodents causing contamination or bites	Food manufacturing, farms	Pest control, sanitation measures
66. Hazardous Terrain	Working in areas with uneven or unstable surfaces	Construction sites, hiking trails	Proper footwear, marking hazardous areas
67. Inadequate Sanitation	Lack of clean restrooms, water, or hygiene facilities	Remote work sites, outdoor workers	Providing adequate sanitation facilities
68. Poor Ventilation	Inadequate airflow leading to accumulation of hazardous substances	Mines, manufacturing plants	Installation of ventilation systems, regular checks
69. Overcrowded Workspaces	Lack of space leading to accidents or stress	Offices, warehouses	Rearranging layouts, maintaining clear walkways
70. Fire Hazards	Risk of fire due to flammable materials or poor electrical systems	Factories, offices	Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, regular inspections

Workplace Design Hazards

Hazards arising from poor workplace layout or design.

Hazard	Description	Example	Preventive Measures
71. Poorly Designed Workstations	Workstations that don’t suit the tasks being performed	Uncomfortable desks, assembly line setups	Ergonomic design, adjustable furniture
72. Cluttered Walkways	Walkways cluttered with materials or equipment leading to trips or falls	Warehouse aisles, office hallways	Regular cleaning, proper storage solutions
73. Inadequate Rest Areas	Lack of proper rest areas causing worker fatigue	Construction sites, factories	Designating rest areas, providing seating
74. Poor Signage	Lack of or unclear safety signage leading to accidents	Construction zones, hazardous chemical storage	Proper labeling, clear signage, regular updates
75. Inaccessible Emergency Exits	Blocked or hard-to-reach exits in case of emergencies	Cluttered doorways, poorly marked exits	Regular inspection, clear marking of exits
76. Narrow Walkways	Narrow walkways making it difficult to navigate, increasing the risk of accidents	Warehouses, factories	Expanding walkways, regulating pedestrian traffic
77. Inadequate Storage Solutions	Poor storage leading to falling objects or difficult access	High shelves, unstable stacks	Proper storage systems, shelving units, training
78. Poorly Maintained Equipment	Faulty or outdated equipment causing injury or accidents	Manufacturing machinery, office electronics	Regular maintenance, replacement of old equipment
79. Unsuitable Flooring	Slippery, uneven, or unstable flooring leading to trips and falls	Office lobbies, construction sites	Installing proper flooring, slip-resistant mats
80. Inadequate Ventilation Systems	Poorly designed or maintained ventilation leading to air quality issues	Factories, offices	Upgrading or repairing ventilation systems

Miscellaneous Hazards

Other hazards that don’t fit neatly into one category.

Hazard	Description	Example	Preventive Measures
81. Compressed Gas Hazards	Risk of explosion or leak from compressed gas cylinders	Gas welding, laboratories	Proper storage, regular inspection, labeling
82. Lack of Training	Untrained workers increasing the risk of accidents	New hires, temporary workers	Comprehensive safety training programs
83. Fatigue	Tiredness leading to mistakes or accidents	Long shifts, night work	Scheduling regular breaks, monitoring workloads
84. Use of Improper Tools	Using the wrong tools for the job leading to injury	Using a screwdriver instead of a hammer	Providing proper tools, training on tool usage
85. Ladders and Scaffolding	Improper use of ladders and scaffolding leading to falls	Construction sites, maintenance work	Ladder safety training, regular inspections
86. Manual Handling	Improper lifting, pushing, or pulling of heavy objects	Warehouse workers, delivery personnel	Proper lifting techniques, mechanical aids
87. Poor Communication	Lack of clear instructions or warnings leading to accidents	Multilingual workplaces, noisy environments	Using clear signage, training, improving communication methods
88. Lone Working	Working alone, making it difficult to get help in emergencies	Night shift workers, remote work	Regular check-ins, monitoring systems
89. Unfamiliar Equipment	Workers unfamiliar with new or complex equipment	New hires, updated machinery	Adequate training, user manuals, safety inspections
90. Time Pressure	Rushing to meet deadlines increasing the risk of mistakes or accidents	Manufacturing, healthcare	Adjusting workloads, proper scheduling

Specific Industry Hazards

Unique hazards that apply to specific industries.

Hazard	Description	Example	Preventive Measures
91. Explosions	Risk of explosions in certain industries	Mining, oil & gas	Explosion-proof equipment, regular inspections
92. Heavy Machinery	Operating large and dangerous machinery	Construction, agriculture	Proper training, maintenance, PPE
93. Forklift Accidents	Risk of being struck or crushed by forklifts	Warehouses, manufacturing plants	Forklift safety training, traffic management
94. Working at Heights	Risk of falling from height in certain industries	Roofing, construction	Safety harnesses, guardrails, fall protection systems
95. Exposure to Hazardous Waste	Risk of handling toxic or dangerous waste materials	Waste management, chemical plants	PPE, proper waste disposal procedures
96. Marine Hazards	Risks unique to working on or near water	Fishermen, dock workers	Life jackets, training, proper equipment
97. Aviation Hazards	Risks related to air travel and aircraft operations	Pilots, cabin crew, ground staff	Safety drills, proper communication systems
98. Mining Hazards	Risks specific to the mining industry, such as cave-ins or toxic gases	Underground miners	Ventilation, regular inspections, PPE
99. Oil & Gas Hazards	Specific hazards like gas leaks, explosions, and fires in the oil & gas industry	Rig workers, pipeline operators	Monitoring systems, safety protocols
100. Agricultural Hazards	Risks related to the use of heavy machinery, chemicals, and animals in farming	Farmers, agricultural workers	Proper training, PPE, regular inspections

Workplace hazards are diverse and present in virtually every industry. Recognizing these hazards, assessing the risks they pose, and implementing preventive measures are critical steps in ensuring the health and safety of workers. By understanding these 100 common hazards and their respective control measures, organizations can create safer work environments and minimize the likelihood of accidents and injuries.