Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) Two Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a type of physical hazard?

1. Housekeeping practices

2. Type of building construction

3. Employee turnover

4. External exposures

The correct answer is: Employee turnover

The correct response identifies employee turnover as not being a physical hazard. In the context of risk assessment and hazard identification, physical hazards are typically defined as environmental aspects that can cause physical harm or injury. This includes factors that are directly related to an individual’s physical surroundings or the way in which work is conducted. Housekeeping practices, for example, directly relate to the cleanliness and organization of a workplace, which can significantly impact safety. Poor housekeeping can lead to slips, trips, and falls, making it a relevant physical hazard. The type of building construction also falls under this category, as structural elements can influence safety, such as the integrity of roofs, walls, and load-bearing elements which can pose risks in case of failure. External exposures encompass factors from the outside environment that may affect safety, such as weather conditions or nearby construction activities. These can introduce hazards outside the control of the organization, but they remain physical in nature. In contrast, employee turnover pertains to human resources and management dynamics rather than a physical condition or environment. While high turnover can lead to reduced workplace efficiency or increase the likelihood of accidents due to inexperienced staff, it does not fit the definition of a physical hazard that can result in immediate physical harm or injury. Thus, understanding this distinction highlights