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This article will provide an overview of physical hazards, including examples of physical hazards in the workplace.
Published 30 Jun 2023
A physical hazard is any type of hazard that can cause physical harm to a person. Physical hazards can be found in both our natural environment and the workplace, including construction sites, factories, and offices. Some common examples of physical hazards include electrical hazards, tripping hazards, and ergonomic hazards.
Workplace hazards are also a common cause of physical injuries. Hence, it is important to identify physical hazards in the workplace so they can be controlled or eliminated. This can be done through various methods, such as hazard identification and dynamic risk assessment.
Once physical hazards have been identified, it is important to develop and implement controls to protect workers. Some standard rules include administrative controls, engineering controls, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), there are 5 main classes of physical hazards. These include:
These substances can undergo a rapid chemical reaction that produces large amounts of gas and heat. This can lead to an explosion which can lead to fatal injuries to your body or even death. Proper precautions such as keeping a safe distance, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding ignition sources will keep workers safe from harm.
These are substances that supply oxygen to a fire to help it burns. These materials can make a fire spread and grow, which is very dangerous, especially when you are in enclosed spaces.
Flammable materials can easily catch on fire and burn. They can be in the form of liquids, gases, or solids. Flammables are often used in our daily lives, so it is important to be cautious when handling them.
Corrosive materials can damage your skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if you are exposed to them. They can also damage metal surfaces. This is because it can eat away at materials, causing them to break down. It is important to wear proper protective gear when working with corrosive materials.
These materials contain gasses and are under pressure so that they can explode or burst. They can explode when heated and can lead to serious or fatal injuries to the body. Some examples include:
Many types of hazards can pose a risk to our safety and health. But what are the examples of physical hazards that can be found in a workplace?
Examples of physical hazards | SafetyCulture
Slips, trips, and falls are the most common physical hazards. Slips and trips are often caused by wet floors, cluttered walkways, or loose carpeting. Falls can lead to serious injuries, so it’s important to be aware of these hazards and take steps to avoid them.
This can include chemicals, fumes, and particles that can cause irritation or harm our health. It’s important to be aware of these hazards and take steps to protect ourselves from them.
Working in confined spaces can be dangerous because there is limited space to move around, and it can be difficult to breathe. If you’re working in a confined space, it’s important to take precautions to avoid any body parts being caught or stuck.
Electricity is a physical hazard that can cause burns, shocks, or even death. It’s important to be aware of this hazard and take steps to protect ourselves from it. Make sure to inspect any wet areas before dealing with electricity. Lastly, wearing proper PPE is essential to prevent any unexpected electrocutions.
Working in extreme temperatures can be dangerous because our bodies can’t regulate the temperature well in these conditions. If you’re working in extreme heat or cold, it’s important to take steps to stay cool or warm and stay hydrated.
Toxic materials can hurt your body or even kill you if you are exposed to high concentrations of them. These hazards can be in the form of gases, liquids, or solids. It is important to wear proper protective gear when working with toxic substances.
Other common physical hazard examples include:
SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) can help identify physical hazards in the workplace and provide guidance on how to mitigate them. İt can be used to perform regular audits of the workplace and identify any potential hazards that may be present.
With SafetyCulture, you can use or create a customized checklist specifically for physical hazards and manage your Assets in the process. Some health and safety checklists that you can use during inspections are:
Alongside performing regular audits, SafetyCulture can also help you train your employees on how to maintain and promote a safer workplace with its Training modules. Through a powerful mobile Learning Management System (LMS), conducting workplace safety training programs makes it easier and more efficient for your organization to deliver engaging and effective learning to your team.
Shella Marie Ang
Shella Marie Ang is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. Cultivating her experience in social media marketing, virtual assistance, and SEO has helped her create compelling content for websites and blogs. Her medical background also has given her an edge when it comes to writing medical and health-related content. She loves reading in her free time and being around other creatives.
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