Physical Hazards:
- Noise: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and other health issues.
- Vibration: Exposure to excessive vibration can cause musculoskeletal disorders, nerve damage, and hearing loss.
- Extreme temperatures: Working in very hot or cold environments can lead to heat stress, hypothermia, and other health problems.
- Ionizing radiation: Exposure to ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays, gamma rays) can cause cancer, reproductive problems, and other health issues.
- Non-ionizing radiation: Prolonged exposure to non-ionizing radiation (e.g., microwaves, radiofrequency energy) can cause skin irritation, eye problems, and other health issues.
- Ergonomic hazards: Poor posture, repetitive motions, and excessive force can cause musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.
Chemical Hazards:
- Toxic chemicals: Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause a wide range of health problems, including cancer, respiratory problems, reproductive problems, and neurological damage.
- Irritants: Irritants can cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.
- Allergens: Exposure to allergens can cause allergic reactions such as asthma, rhinitis, and dermatitis.
- Sensitizers: Sensitizers can cause allergic reactions even after minimal exposure.
- Asbestos: Asbestos fibers are highly carcinogenic and can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory problems.
- Lead: Lead exposure can cause developmental problems in children, neurological damage, and kidney problems.
Biological Hazards:
- Infectious microorganisms: Exposure to bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites can cause infections, respiratory problems, and other health issues.
- Biotoxins: Toxins produced by biological organisms (e.g., mold, algae) can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues.
- Animal bites and scratches: Bites and scratches from animals can cause infections, rabies, and other health issues.
Psychological Hazards:
- Stress: Job stress can contribute to anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.
- Violence: Workers in certain occupations (e.g., healthcare, law enforcement) may be exposed to violence, which can cause injuries, psychological trauma, and other health issues.
- Harassment and bullying: Harassment and bullying in the workplace can lead to mental health problems, absenteeism, and reduced productivity.