What is a workplace hazard?

A workplace hazard is a situation, condition or thing that may be dangerous to health and safety. Workers are required to report workplace hazards to their employer, supervisor or other designated person on the job.

To assist with identifying hazards, the Government of Alberta breaks hazards into four categories: physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial. Below are some examples of hazards by category. Please note that this is not an extensive list and that other hazards may exist in the workplace that are not listed here.

Physical
– slippery or uneven surfaces
– working around moving equipment
– poor lighting

Chemical
– battery acid
– fumes
– byproducts/waste products from a process

Biological
– mould
– sewage
– animal/pet waste

Psychosocial
– harassment
– fatigue
– violence

To learn more about workplace hazards, you can consult
Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers (.pdf) from which the information in this answer was derived.

A workplace hazard is a situation, condition or thing that may be dangerous to health and safety. Workers are required to report workplace hazards to their employer, supervisor or other designated person on the job.

To assist with identifying hazards, the Government of Alberta breaks hazards into four categories: physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial. Below are some examples of hazards by category. Please note that this is not an extensive list and that other hazards may exist in the workplace that are not listed here.

Physical- slippery or uneven surfaces- working around moving equipment- poor lightingChemical- battery acid- fumes- byproducts/waste products from a processBiological- mould- sewage- animal/pet wastePsychosocial- harassment- fatigue- violence

To learn more about workplace hazards, you can consult Hazard assessment and control: a handbook for Alberta employers and workers (.pdf) from which the information in this answer was derived.

Can I be fired if I don’t work because of unsafe conditions?

In Alberta, workers have the right to refuse unsafe work that might put them or others in danger. The Occupational Health and Safety Act protects workers from reprimand or dismissal for refusing work due to hazards that pose a serious and immediate threat to themselves or others at their work site.

In Alberta, workers have the right to refuse unsafe work that might put them or others in danger. The Occupational Health and Safety Act protects workers from reprimand or dismissal for refusing work due to hazards that pose a serious and immediate threat to themselves or others at their work site.

I developed an illness because of my work. Can you help me?

In most cases, employers are required to have coverage through the Workers’ Compensation Board – Alberta (WCB). The Workers’ Resource Centre can assist workers with initial WCB claims.

In most cases, employers are required to have coverage through the Workers’ Compensation Board - Alberta (WCB). The Workers’ Resource Centre can assist workers with initial WCB claims.

I got hurt at work. Can you help me?

In most cases, employers are required to have coverage through the Workers’ Compensation Board – Alberta (WCB). The Workers’ Resource Centre can assist workers with initial WCB claims.

In most cases, employers are required to have coverage through the Workers’ Compensation Board - Alberta (WCB). The Workers’ Resource Centre can assist workers with initial WCB claims.