What type of controls take the form of barriers to guard against a hazard?

Physical controls are designed to serve as barriers that mitigate or eliminate hazards in a given environment. This can include safety equipment like guardrails, safety nets, or any structural measures that create a physical separation between personnel and potential danger. The primary goal of these controls is to prevent accidents or injuries by obstructing the proximity to hazards, thereby enhancing safety.

In contrast, administrative controls involve policies and procedures that dictate safe practices, while information controls focus on the dissemination of data or instructions to enhance awareness and decision-making. Training is aimed at educating individuals on safety protocols, but it does not create a tangible barrier against hazards. Each of these other controls plays a vital role in risk management, but only physical controls provide the direct physical barrier that can effectively protect individuals from immediate threats.