The activity hazards in part 4 of the IOSH Managing Safely project are the most important hazards in the paper. Not because they're anymore hazardous than the other types but because these are the hazards that will be carried over into part 5 & 6. Get your activity hazards wrong and you will lose the points from the following parts.
Activity hazards are related to the 'doing'. Let's look at using a pedestal drill. Does this present an activity hazard? It can do. Most hazards related to a pedestal drill are equipment hazards or substance hazards if you are using cutting compounds. If the drill is used repetitively and it is the repetitive movement of the arm that causes the problem then this would be an activity hazard.
How about manual handing, is this an activity hazard? Again, it could be. If you are concerned about the weight of the load that would not be an activity hazard as it is the nature of the load that causes the problem. If you are concerned that the handler needs to pass through a doorway that is too narrow and so they may catch their knuckles, then this would be a location hazard. If the handling involves stooping, twisting or repetitive handling then these are activities that present hazards.
One more example - working at height. If there is a problem related to the condition of the ladder or work platform these would be equipment hazards. If you are considering the possibility that the worker might fall onto the picket fence at the foot of the ladder, this would be a location hazard. If what you are considering is falling, not falling onto anything or due to a problem with equipment then it is the work at height activity that causes the problem, an activity hazard.
If you need any more help you find it on this IOSH Managing Safely site (follow link).
Good luck
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