Australia Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks 2.0: 2 Identify hazards across the whole of work, physical and psychological

Hazard identification means finding the things and situations that could cause harm, whether physical or psychological. Hazards generally arise from the physical work environment, the equipment, materials and substances used, the work tasks and how they are done, work design and management, and workplace interactions or behaviours. A single piece of plant, substance or process may carry many hazards, and each needs identifying. Common hazard types include manual tasks, gravity (falls, falling objects, slips and trips), psychosocial hazards, electricity, machinery and equipment, hazardous chemicals, extreme temperatures, noise, radiation and biological hazards.