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There are many types of hazards that employees could come in contact with. Some of the significant categories are:

Physical: Such as being struck by, or being caught in, rotating, reciprocating or transverse motion of machinery.

Ergonomic:  Relating to the interactions of man, machine and repetitive motions.

Chemical: Any toxic substance(s). Exposure may be acute or chronic, may be in the form of a liquid, solid or gas, and may enter the body by inhalation, absorption, injection or ingestion. It can also include any substance that creates an explosive, flammable or oxygen-deficient environment.

Electrical:  Any type of energy that could potentially send a current through the body, or create a voltage potential difference between a person and another structure with the potential of discharge.

Biological: Any biological agent that causes harm to the human body, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi.

Radiation: Can be non-ionizing (including microwaves, radio waves, ultraviolet, or infrared) or ionizing (includes gamma rays, X-rays and radioactive materials).

Environmental: Any condition created by the surroundings or atmosphere that adversely affects the functioning of the body, such as heat, cold, humidity, noise, or air quality.

Behavioral: Where people do not act in accordance with existing standards.

Psychosocial: A specific situation that may cause mental or physical health problems.  Can give rise to behavioral problems.  Can also be referred to as workplace stressors.