What are the four categories of workplace hazards?

The four categories of workplace hazards are physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards.

Physical hazards include any environmental factors that can harm an employee without necessarily touching them, such as noise, radiation, temperature extremes, and machinery-related risks. Chemical hazards involve exposure to chemicals that can cause health issues, including toxic substances, corrosives, and reactive materials. Biological hazards are related to exposure to living organisms or their byproducts, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens that can lead to illness or infection. Ergonomic hazards arise from the design of the work environment and the way tasks are performed, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries when the job demands exceed a worker's capabilities.

Understanding these categories is essential for identifying potential risks in the workplace and implementing appropriate safety measures and training to mitigate them.