A physical hazard could be any factor or condition in an environment that can cause harm upon contact or exposure. Common examples of physical hazards include slips, trips, and falls; exposure to harmful substances; confined spaces; electricity; extreme temperatures; toxic materials; excessive noise; radiation; fire hazards; sharp objects; moving machinery; and vibration. In food safety, physical hazards can also mean foreign objects like glass, metal, plastic, wood, or stones that may cause injury. These hazards represent physical energy or objects that can damage the body or cause injury if not controlled or protected against. Examples:
- Slips, trips, and falls caused by wet floors or cluttered walkways.
- Electrical hazards causing shocks or burns.
- Extreme heat or cold environments causing heat or cold stress.
- Objects like glass shards or metal fragments in food.
- Excessive noise damaging hearing.
- Mechanical hazards from moving machinery parts.
Preventive measures include hazard identification, using personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering controls, and administrative controls to reduce exposure and risk of injury from physical hazards.
