University of Central Florida (UCF) HSC3432 Occupational Safety for the Health Care Professional Practice Exam 2

Wet floors serve as a prime example of a physical hazard in a healthcare environment because they can lead to slips, trips, and falls, which are among the most common types of workplace accidents. Physical hazards involve environmental factors that can cause harm to individuals. In healthcare settings, such hazards often include unmaintained walkways, spills, clutter, and inadequate lighting. These risks must be identified and mitigated to ensure a safe environment for both healthcare workers and patients.

In contrast, negligent behavior, job stress, and patient workload are not classified as physical hazards. Negligent behavior relates to the actions (or inactions) of individuals that could lead to unsafe conditions, but it does not represent a hazard inherent in the physical environment itself. Job stress and patient workload pertain more to psychosocial risks and workplace demands rather than physical threats. Therefore, identifying and addressing physical hazards like wet floors is crucial for maintaining safety standards in healthcare facilities.