April 30, 2002

A Summary of Physical Hazards in the Workplace – A Handy Reference Guide

By Peter H. Wald, MD, MPH
Board-Certified, Occupational Medicine, Medical Toxicology, Internal Medicine
Principal, WorkCare

An Excerpt from Physical and Biological Hazards of the Workplace

Potential energy can be called a potential hazard in the workplace.  The key to avoiding injuries and illnesses is to prevent the individuals in the workplace from being overexposed to the kinetic energy in the hazards.  This table summarizes major characteristics of potential physical hazards in the workplace. 

In next month's article we will review the three major types of controls, engineering, administration, and personal protective equipment.

CLICK HERE for Major Characteristics of Physical Hazards Chart