In order for VIU to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, we must first understand the hazards our employees and students may be exposed to. When we know what the hazards are VIU can then begin the process to control exposure to those hazards.
Identifying hazards is a proactive process and generally starts with a workplace inspection, but there are other ways, such as through a Job Hazard Analysis.
Workplace hazards may arise from the following:
- the physical work environment
- equipment, materials, and substances used at the workplace
- work tasks and how they are performed
- work design and management
In the simplest terms, identifying hazards can be done by:
- Talking to our workers to see if they have any safety concerns
- Walking around our worksites observing how work tasks are being performed
- Assessing the equipment workers are using, and considering how that equipment is being used
- Analyzing the design and layout of the work area
- Determine what is it about the activities, processes, or substances being used that could injure the people in this area, harm their health, or impact the natural environment?
In 2024 VIU created a VIU Hazard Registry. The registry lists the hazards that have the potential to exist at VIU. 66 potential hazards were identified.
Health and Safety Services has created a Hazard Registry that lists all of the hazards that exist at VIU.
Physical hazards stem from sources of energy that may cause injury or disease. The following is a list of Physical Hazards that exist at VIU:
Noise
Sharps
Ergonomic
- Hand / Arm Vibration
- Whole Body Vibration
- Manual Material Handling (MMH) / Awkward Postures
- Static Loads
- Static Posture
Hot Environments
Cold Environments
Hyperbaric (High Pressure) Environments
Hypobaric (Low Pressure) Environments
Ionizing Radiation
Non-Ionizing Radiation
Electromagnetic Radiation
Ultraviolet
Slips & Trips
Falls
Fire
Water
Explosion
Illumination
Natural Disasters
Sources of biological hazards may include bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and humans. These sources can cause a variety of health effects ranging from skin irritation and allergies to infections. The following is a list of Biological Hazards that exist at VIU:
Viruses
Bacteria
Fungi / Mold
Plants
Insects
Zoonotic Pathogens
Parasites
Toxins
Chemical Hazards range from cleaning products to full scale chemical production. If chemicals are not used, stored and handled properly, they can cause injury, illness, disease, fire, explosions, or property damage. The following is a list of Chemical Hazards that exist at VIU:
Flammable Gases
Aerosols
Medications / Controlled Substances
Oxidizing Gases
Gases Under Pressure
Flammable Liquids
Flammable Solids
Self-Reactive Substances and Mixtures
Pyrophoric Liquids
Pyrophoric Solids
Self-Heating Substances and Mixtures
Water Reactive
Oxidizing Liquids
Oxidizing Solids
Organic Peroxides
Corrosive to Metals
Corrosive to Skin / Skin Irritant
Combustible Dusts
Simple Asphyxiants
Acute Toxicity
Mutagen
Reproductive Toxin
Carcinogen (e.g. Asbestos)
Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single Exposure
Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Repeated Exposure
Aspiration Hazard
Safety Hazards are conditions or situations that have the potential to cause harm, injury, or damage to people, property, or the environment. The following is a list of Safety Hazards that exist at VIU:
Excavations
Confined Spaces
Housekeeping / Wet Floors
Housekeeping / Trip Hazards
Blocked Exit Routes
Machinery and Equipment
Electricity
Hand and Power Tools
Animals
Psychosocial Hazards are factors in the work environment that can cause stress, strain, or interpersonal problems. The following is a list of Psychosocial Hazards that exist at VIU: