Health hazards cause occupational illnesses. Some of these illnesses can be chronic (long-term) problems, and are generally not immediately apparent. Some examples are:

Noise-induced hearing loss - a factory worker loses his or her hearing after several years of enduring noise of machines in the workplace.

Respiratory problems caused by exposure to chemicals - a worker is diagnosed later in life with having a lung problem resulting from several years working with toxic vapours or dust.

Repetitive strain injuries - a worker suffers from back pains resulting from routinely lifting of heavy materials on the job.

Safety hazards cause immediate physical harm such as cuts, broken bones, or back injuries. They can appear in many forms, such as the following:

Slipping or tripping hazards - electrical cords across floors; spilled liquids, sawdust, mud, or snow on the floor.

Fire and explosion hazards - various combustibles such as dust, fuel, fumes.

Moving items - parts of machines, tools, and equipment.

Work at heights - using ladders or scaffolds.

Pressure systems - steam boilers, air-powered tools, pipes.

Vehicles - including forklifts and trucks.

Lifting - needed for manual operations.

Falling materials - cave-ins, dislodged materials, rolling or shifting materials.

Hazards posed by - violence, working alone, working in isolated workplaces.