What is a hazard?
A hazard is a thing or condition that could lead to an incident if it is not addressed.
An example of a hazard could be:
- Broken or worn out equipment
- An obstacle that hinders movement that could cause a trip or collision
- A work task that requires risky actions like climbing, lifting or reaching
- Working alone or in isolation where there is a risk of violence
- A lack of personal protective equipment in stock
If you think, “that’s an accident waiting to happen,” then it’s probably a hazard.
It is important to be proactive about any hazard you encounter. In this way, you are protecting yourself, your co-workers and your patients, residents or clients.
How to report a hazard
- Tell your supervisor or manager immediately about the hazard.
- Fill out a Hazard Report. Ask for a form from your Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committee worker representative. This form may be online, or paper. If you don’t have a JOHS Committee at your workplace, contact your Shop Steward for assistance.
- Tell your JOHS Committee worker representative about the hazard, so they can raise the issue at their next meeting.
- Follow up with your JOHS Committee worker representative to see when and how changes will be made to correct the safety issue.
Other types of incidents
Near miss incident: An event that had the potential to cause injury or work-related illness.
Find out more about "Near Miss" incidents.
Injury incident: An event that leads to a physical or mental injury, or a work-related illness.
Find out more about Injury and Illness incidents.