What is an occupational hazard?
An occupational hazard is an on-the-job risk that could have a negative effect on your health. The risk could be to your physical or mental health. These could include injury, illness, disability (short-term or long-term) or death.
Below are different types of occupational hazards:
- Physical: heat, cold, light, noise, vibration or radiation
- Biological: viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, sewage, bodily fluids or animal products
- Chemical: dust, gas or liquid forms of chemicals including solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals
- Mechanical: machines with moving parts, rotating blades, narrow or small work sites
- Psychosocial: trouble adapting to changing or challenging work environments (this can lead to fatigue, frustration, or emotional tension)
To learn more about Occupational Health and Safety in Alberta click here.
A Guide for Occupational Health and Safety for Workers can be found here. The guide outlines what workers need to know to meet Occupational Health and Safety laws in Alberta.
