Physical hazards can include all of the following except

The assertion that toxic gases are not a physical hazard is not accurate in the context of confined spaces. Toxic gases pose a significant risk as they can lead to serious health issues or fatalities if inhaled in high concentrations. The true nature of physical hazards in confined spaces encompasses dangers that can lead to physical harm or injury.

Other options, such as grinding equipment, mulching equipment, and falling objects, clearly fall under the category of physical hazards. Grinding equipment and mulching equipment can cause injury through physical contact, while falling objects pose a threat to workers who may be in the path of these hazards. It is important to recognize that physical hazards primarily refer to conditions or objects that can cause bodily harm or injury, while toxic gases classify more as health hazards due to their impact on wellbeing rather than direct physical injury. Thus, identifying toxic gases as non-physical hazards indicates a misunderstanding of how these risks are categorized.