Physical agents

Introduction

The term “Physical Agents" is commonly used to describe a group of sources of energy which have the capability of causing injury or disease to workers. Examples of physical agents include noise, vibration, electromagnetic radiation, electricity and extremes of temperature.This overview article introduces the various physical agents, and briefly discusses the risks to workers from the agents, how these risks may be controlled and identifies the European Directives that seek to protect workers across Europe from the agents. Links to detailed articles on the individual physical agents are provided.

European legislation

In Europe, the risks…