​Workplace environmental hazards include:

• ​Noise pollution

• ​Air pollution

• ​Chemicals

• ​Dust and fumes

• ​Disposal hazards

​All employees must contribute to the process of identifying environmental hazards. For example:

o Observe work practices, use of materials, general work environment

o Use knowledge of workplace procedures to identify risks

o Review material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for chemicals

o Review incident reports and investigate accidents

​Common workplace resource hazards;

• ​Slips, trips and falls usually caused by office furniture cords and furniture

• ​Electrical hazards involving power boards and power points

• ​Manual handling hazards caused by having to carry objects around the office

• ​Ergonomic hazards caused by poorly designed workstations

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​WHS legislation and regulations task the business and employees with the responsibility to minimise the risk posed by these hazards.

​Report breaches to appropriate personnel

• ​Report a possible environmental hazard immediately

• ​An environmental hazard can cause illness or injury

• ​Familiarise yourself with your organisation’s procedures for reporting (probably to the WHS officer)

• ​Complete the environmental risk register as a formal record

• ​Breaches of environmental law can be:

1. ​Accidental

2. ​Unintentional

3. ​Intentional

4. ​Potential