Hazard Categories
It's helpful to think of workplace hazards as existing in five general hazard categories and 13 more specific types. We'll take a look at the five hazard categories and 13 hazard types throughout the rest of this module. All this will help you improve your knowledge and skills in proactive hazard identification to help eliminate hazards in the workplace.
Five General Hazard Areas
Just remember MEEPS!
All workplace hazards exist in five general categories. You can remember them by using the mnemonic, "MEEPS". Here are some examples:
- Materials - liquids, solids, gases, etc.
- Environment - noise, radiation (non-ionizing and ionizing), humidity, temperature, atmospheres, workstation design
- Equipment - includes machinery, tools, devices
- People - unsafe behaviors, employee fatigue, stress, hurry, drugs, etc.
- System - flawed policies, programs, plans, processes, procedures, and practices
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-4. Which hazard category describes accidents due to horseplay, working too fast, or fatigue?
You forgot to answer the question!