What is a hazard?
A hazard is something UNSAFE OR UNHEALTHY THAT HAS OR MIGHT CAUSE PEOPLE HARM. You could say it is 'an accident waiting to happen'; but by taking steps to control the hazard, you can reduce the chance of being injured.
Sometimes a hazard is obvious such as a slippery floor, an unsafe machine which you are asked to operate without a guard. Sometimes it is more insidious such as exposure to a chemical that could cause you skin problems or in more serious cases could lead to health problems when you are older such as asbestosis resulting from exposure to asbestos.
Some hazards result from the work process, such as mechanical hazards, noise or dangers from substances. Other hazards result from equipment or machine failures or misuse, control or power system failures or chemical spills.
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