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Hazards index

Hazards are anything that can cause harm and every place of work has them. Understanding the hazards at your work can help you manage risks and keep workers safe and healthy.

This information will help you identify the hazards at your work and the steps you can take to reduce or remove risks for yourself and your workers.

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  • Hazardous manual tasks

    People handling

    People handling is a high-risk activity in the health industry. The best way to manage the risks involves a systematic approach. Find out more in our resources and links.

  • Environment

    Non-potable water

    Non-potable water is not suitable for drinking and can cause health problems. Learn how to manage the risks and protect yourself and others.

  • Hazardous chemicals; environment; material

    Events (short-term fuel storage)

    Special events are often attended by many people and may be located in densely-populated areas so it is essential to manage risks from hazardous chemicals.

  • Hazardous chemicals; material

    Pesticides

    Pesticides are hazardous chemicals including herbicides, insecticides and fungicides that present a risk to health if precautions are not taken.

  • Environment; material

    Melioidosis

    Working with soil and surface water, especially after high rainfall, can expose workers to melioidosis.

  • Hazardous chemicals; environment; material

    Nanotechnology

    Nanotechnology is the controlling of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. The small size and some of the unique properties of engineered nanomaterials have raised concerns that there might be implications for human health and safety.

  • Hazardous chemicals; environment; material

    Diseases from animals

    This page includes information about animal diseases including Hendra virus, influenza, Q fever, Leptospirosis, Hydatid disease, Psittacosis, Toxoplasmosis, and information about Australian bat lyssavirus and handling bats.

  • Environment

    Legionnaires’ disease

    Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by Legionella bacteria, including the most serious, Legionnaires' disease, as well as the less serious condition of Pontiac fever. This page has information to help manage and minimise the risk of Legionella at your place of work.

  • Hazardous chemicals; environment; health and wellbeing; material

    Infection risks from flood recovery and response work

    Workers who are involved with flood recovery and response work may be exposed to infection risks from contact with contaminated floodwater, soil and mud.

  • Environment

    Bushfire smoke

    Ongoing bushfire activity can decrease air quality and may affect the health of all workers, not just those involved in fighting fires.

  • Environment; material

    Lead

    Lead can be inhaled through dust or fumes or swallowed through eating contaminated food or smoking with contaminated fingers. Untreated lead poisoning in adults, children and pets can be fatal.

  • Hazardous chemicals; environment; material

    Hazardous dusts

    All airborne dust is hazardous to health. Dust can contain a range of materials including sand, dirt, pollen, minerals, wood, micro-organisms, and vehicle and industrial exhausts.