What Is a Hazard?
According to OSHA, a hazard is “a danger that threatens physical harm to employees.”
In simpler terms, a hazard is any unsafe condition or work practice that could lead to injury or illness.
Understanding Hazards
A hazard can take many forms — it might be a physical object (such as tools, machinery, or materials), or it could stem from human factors like being distracted, rushed, or fatigued.
However, a hazard alone doesn’t cause an accident. For an injury or illness to occur, two conditions must exist simultaneously:
- The hazard itself, and
- Employee exposure to that hazard.
If either is missing—no hazard or no exposure—an accident cannot happen.
Identifying Hazards in the Workplace
Take a moment to observe your surroundings. You may notice several hazardous conditions or unsafe work practices that could pose risks.
Now imagine an OSHA compliance officer arriving unannounced for a full inspection—what would they find in your workplace?
Adopting the same inspection mindset as OSHA can help you stay proactive. Review resources such as the OSHA Field Operations Manual (FOM) and the OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) to better understand what inspectors look for and how to keep your workplace compliant and safe.