Short Term Hazards

A short-term hazard can be described as any hazard that that may cause injury and/or illness and that may be remedied in a short period of time. This learning task will discuss some of the short-term hazards likely to be encountered when working in the trades.

Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips and falls on walking and working surfaces are the cause of many injuries in the workplace. Some of these accidents are the result of environmental conditions and others happen because of poor housekeeping and careless behaviour.

You can best avoid slips, trips and falls by being aware of your surroundings and following some general walking and work surface guidelines:

• Keep all walking and working areas clean and dry.
• Keep all walking and working surfaces clear of clutter and debris.
• Install cables, extension cords, and hoses so that they will not become tripping hazards.
• Do not run on any work surface.
• If footing is unstable use short steps with feet splayed out.

Working around vehicles and heavy equipment

Workers are often required to work near vehicles and mobile equipment. It is the workers responsibility to keep out of the way.

Workers working near moving vehicles and equipment should:

• Stay alert at all times and keep a safe distance.
• Stay out of the circle formed by the extended bucket of an excavator (swing).
• Never get into blind spots of operators.
• Maintain eye contact with the operator.
• Never stand under loads handled by lifting or digging equipment, or near vehicles being loaded or unloaded.
• Wear reflective or high-visibility vests, hard hats, steel-toed boots and appropriate hearing protection while working near equipment.
• Alert the operator of any impending hazards, electrical wires, gas lines, sewer or water lines etc.

Elevated work

Working in elevated situations can be very dangerous. Falls from elevated areas are one of the leading causes of fatalities among workers. While the risk of falls is high, there is much you can do to protect yourself. Using the appropriate personal protective equipment, practicing good housekeeping habits and staying alert at all times will help you stay safe when working at elevations.

In later sections we will be covering the Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Regulations related to scaffolding and fall protection; it is important that you make yourself aware of these before proceeding to work at elevations.

Confined space

A work area that is not meant for human habitation with limited access and egress where there is a potential risk is known as a confined space. A confined space can be any enclosed space where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions (e.g., lack of oxygen). You must understand the hazards and safety precautions for working in confined spaces. BCF 012 bilgewatertank.jpg

Some examples of confined spaces that are fairly easy to identify include:

• Storage tanks, silos, vessels and vats
• Manholes, sewers and ductwork
• Combustion chambers in furnaces, etc.
• Unventilated or poorly ventilated rooms Some places must be assessed at their location as confined spaces.

It is not possible to provide a comprehensive detailed list of confined spaces, though many of the dangers associated with confined spaces are listed below.

• A lack of oxygen can occur due to a process or reaction.
• Poisonous gas, fumes or vapour can build-up in sewers and manholes or enter tanks and vessels from connecting pipes.
• Liquids and solids can suddenly fill the space.
• Free-flowing solids such as grain can form a solid section and then suddenly collapse.
• Flammable vapours or residues left in tanks or vessels can explode or catch fire.
• Hot conditions can lead to a dangerous increase in body temperature.

Activities

Go to WorkSafeBC for the most current information:

1. Read the WorkSafe BC Hazards of Confined Spaces document
2. Watch the Worksafe BC video, Confined Spaces: Safe Yesterday, Deadly Today

Self Quiz

Short answer.  What is the definition of a short-term hazard?

Answer:  A short-term hazard is any hazard that that may cause injury and/or illness and that may be remedied in a short period of time.