How can you prevent environmental hazards in the workplace?



The workplace can be a dangerous place! Fortunately, there are things we can do to help keep things safe. Which of these things is NOT part of a hazard prevention program?

A) Keep the area clear when working with wireless antennas

B) Avoid using electrical equipment during a thunderstorm

C) Write safety memos warning of computer wiring spread across the floor of the public training room

D) Keep liquids away from electrical devices


The answer: C) Write safety memos warning of computer wiring spread across the floor of the public training room

Although it’s a nice thought to warn people of a potential safety problem in a public training facility, it’s a much better idea if the safety hazard didn’t exist at all.


The incorrect answers:

A) Keep the area clear when working with wireless antennas
When your attention is directed upwards, it’s important that there’s nothing on the ground that you might trip over.

B) Avoid using electrical equipment during a thunderstorm
If a lightning strike hits, there’s no surge protector that can stop the force from hitting your computer. If there’s an active thunderstorm, you’d do best to physically unplug your electrical equipment from all power, cable, and telephone connections.

D) Keep liquids away from electrical devices
Electronics are allergic to water. It’s best to keep your mug of coffee on the other side of the room.

Want to know more? Watch “Managing Safety Hazards.”


As technology professionals, we occasionally have to operate in environments where safety hazards may exist. In this module, we’ll show you how to avoid problems with high voltage computer equipment and environmental hazards, and we’ll discuss the best ways to dispose of hazardous materials. More importantly, we’ll show you how to handle accident situations that might occur when working in our high-tech environments.