Understanding Hazards – Physical Hazards

Physical hazards are substances or conditions that may harm a person’s physical safety.  A physical hazard could be a naturally-occuring process that has the potential to create loss or damge.

Some examples of physical hazards are fires, electricity, vibration and poor housekeeping.

Physical hazards are the most common type of hazards in the workplace and include unsafe conditions that can cause injury, illness and death.

The most common types of injuries include:

• tripping
• slipping
• falling from height or on a level
• being struck by a falling object

Tripping and/or slipping are often seen as humerous events and not worthy of attension, but slips and trips are the most common cause of major injuries at work.

Physical hazards also include ergonomic hazards.  An ergonomic hazard is a physical factor within the working environment that can cause musculoskeletal injuries.

Ergonomic hazards include repetitive movement, manual handling, workplace/job/task design, uncomfortable workstation height and poor body positioning.

Slips and trips are the most common cause of major injuries at work