Description

Potential hazards in a workplace

Working in an organisation always comes with some risks. No workplace is completely safe and accidents can happen. However, there are some hazards that are more likely to occur in certain workplaces. These are called major hazards.

Major hazards can be defined as those that have the potential to cause serious harm or even death. They can also be classed as those that could cause extensive damage to property or the environment.

There are a number of different major hazards that can occur in an organisation. Some of the most common include:

• Fires
• Explosions
• Chemical spills
• Workplace violence
• Natural disasters

While all of these hazards have the potential to cause serious harm, fires and explosions are generally considered to be the most dangerous. This is because they can spread very quickly and are often unpredictable.

Chemical spills can also be extremely dangerous, especially if the chemicals involved are toxic. Workplace violence is another major hazard that can pose a serious threat to both employees and customers. Natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, can also cause extensive damage to property and pose a serious risk to life.

Organisations need to be aware of the major hazards that can occur in their workplaces and take steps to minimise the risks. This may involve carrying out risk assessments, implementing safety procedures and providing training for employees.

About this course

• Training Provider: OHS.com.au with AlertForce (RTO Code 91826)
• Location: Online
• Course length: Approx. 4 hours
• Time: Self-paced
• Certification / Accreditation: Certificate of Completion*
• CPD Points: Yes. 4 points as certificate of completion

Background – How to prevent major hazards in a workplace?

Organisations are increasingly aware of the need to manage health and safety hazards in the workplace. However, with the ever-changing landscape of work, it can be difficult to stay on top of all the potential hazards that might be present in your workplace.

1. Slips, trips and falls

One of the most common hazards in any workplace are slips, trips and falls. These can often be caused by things like unmarked changes in floor level, cluttered walkways or poor lighting.

To control this hazard, it is important to ensure that all walkways are clear and well lit, and that any changes in floor level are clearly marked. It is also a good idea to have a robust cleaning regime in place to prevent potential trip hazards.

2. Manual handling

Another common hazard in many workplaces is manual handling, which is the lifting, carrying or moving of heavy objects. This hazard can often be controlled by using mechanical aids such as trolleys or hoists, or by ensuring that objects are not too heavy for those who need to move them.

It is also important to have a good ergonomic design in the workplace, as this can help to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries.

3. Exposure to harmful chemicals - One of the major hazards in an organisation is exposure to harmful substances. This can be anything from chemicals and cleaning products to dust and fumes. It is important to take steps to isolate these substances from employees, using barriers and ventilation systems where possible.
4. Fatigue – Fatigue is caused by long hours, shift work or working in difficult conditions. It is important to take steps to reduce the risk of fatigue, through the use of work rosters and proper break times.

By taking steps to identify and isolate the major hazards in your organisation, you can protect your employees and your business.

Course outline

AlertForce’s Major Hazards training course is designed to train people how to respond to major hazards. The course covers topics such as identifying and assessing risks, developing a response plan, and communicating with the public.

The course is designed for people who work in the field of emergency management, such as first responders, law enforcement officers, and government officials. The course is also open to the public.

This course is designed to create safer workplaces.

  Learning form

All Major Hazards course participants are encouraged to watch the videos and engage in group discussions after each video is finished. Facilitators and participants can review the key points from each video and module using the provided support material.

There are many ways to view and participate in discussions.

• E-learning Format
• Face-to face safety meetings
• Forum
• Email

Participants can upload the training videos to e-learning and view them online. Participants can review the support material online and answer any questions.

Face-to-face safety meetings allow participants to watch videos and participate in discussions. Face-to-face meetings allow for greater interaction and engagement, but can be logistically challenging.

You can also upload the videos to a forum. Participants can access the videos and other support materials via a private forum, company website, or by uploading them to a forum. Each module contains the answers to your questions.

You can also complete the course via email. Participants can email their answers to the discussion questions once they have watched the videos.

No matter how the material is delivered, all participants should have access to it. The support material includes discussion questions as well as the video script. Participants can use the questions to explore the effects of safety practices on their organization.

The modules also include scripts and reference materials. These materials allow participants to review and research the key points of the lesson.

Facilitators and participants can use the video scripts and questions to help them create an action plan. Participants can take specific steps and make suggestions to use the plan in their work environment.