Occupational risk is the risk of disease or occupational accident. In other words, the dangers that workers face in the workplace. A work hazard is something unpleasant that a person encounters or experiences in the course of their work. Some dictionaries say the term also includes the dangers people face when working on their hobbies.
A hazard is an undesirable and unpleasant event or hazard. It can also mean “risky”.
When talking specifically about occupational injuries, we use the term occupational injury.
Occupational risks – several types
There are many types of occupational hazards, such as biological hazards, chemical hazards, physical hazards and psychosocial hazards.
Biohazards
Biohazard or biohazard refers to biological substances that threaten the health of humans and other living organisms.
This type of risk may include samples of toxins from biological sources, viruses or microorganisms. Specifically, samples that are harmful to human health.
Chemical risks
Chemical hazards are occupational hazards that exposure to chemicals in the workplace can cause. Victims may experience acute or long-term negative health effects.
There are hundreds of dangerous chemicals, including immunogenic agents, dermatological agents, carcinogens, neurotoxins, and reproductive toxins. Asthma, sensitizers and systemic toxins are also dangerous chemicals.
According to Wikipedia:
“Long-term exposure to chemicals such as silica dust, engine exhaust, cigarette smoke, and lead (among others) have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.” .
Physical danger
Physical hazards can be factors, agents or circumstances that can cause damage without or with contact. We classify them as environmental or occupational risks.
For example, radiation, heat and cold stress, vibration and noise are types of physical hazards.
Physical hazards cause injury and illness in many industries. In some industries, such as mining and construction, they are unavoidable.
However, over time, we have developed safety procedures and methods to reduce the risks of physical hazards in people’s workplaces.
Psychosocial risk
Psychosocial risks are occupational risks that affect the psychological health of workers. These risks affect their ability to participate in a work environment with other colleagues.
Psychosocial risk is related to the way work is designed, organized and managed. They are also linked to the economic and social context of work. Patients with psychological or mental trauma or illness. Some also suffered physical injury or illness.
For example, workplace violence and occupational stress are psychosocial risks.
