A physical hazard is a substance, aspect, or situation that can be harmful upon contact. They can be categorized as either an environmental hazard or a type of occupational hazard.

Physical risks include those related to radiation, heat and cold stress, vibration, and noise.

In many industries, physical hazards are a frequent cause of injuries. In some fields, like mining and construction, they may be unavoidable, but over time, people have developed safety practices to reduce the likelihood of physical risks at work.