Which of the following is NOT a physical hazard considered in OEH assessments?

In an Occupational and Environmental Health (OEH) assessment, physical hazards encompass environmental factors that can harm individuals through direct physical harm or discomfort. The primary physical hazards include aspects like heat stress, which pertains to thermal conditions affecting worker safety, and noise, which can lead to hearing loss or other health issues.

Toxic chemicals, while significant in terms of safety and health assessments, fall under the category of chemical hazards rather than physical hazards. Chemical hazards involve substances that can cause harm through chemical reactions or toxic properties, impacting health through exposure rather than by causing direct physical injury or environmental harm. Therefore, recognizing that toxic chemicals are not classified as physical hazards clarifies why this choice is correct in the context of the question.

Animals and plants may also be considered physical hazards as they can impact human safety through bites, stings, or other physical interactions, making them more aligned with the definition of physical hazards than chemical exposures.