Healthcare workers face exposure to which of the following hazards?

Healthcare workers are highly susceptible to a range of occupational hazards, and the correct answer identifies two significant risks they encounter: infectious diseases and ergonomic hazards.

Infectious diseases present a continuous threat in healthcare settings due to the nature of patient care, which involves close contact with individuals who may carry contagious illnesses. Workers can be exposed to pathogens through direct contact with patients, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces, making it imperative for healthcare workers to follow strict infection control protocols, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to hand hygiene practices.

Ergonomic hazards arise from the physical demands of healthcare work, including lifting and transferring patients, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Proper body mechanics and training on safe lifting techniques are critical to reducing these risks.

The other options present hazards that may not be as prevalent or specific to the healthcare environment. For instance, while extreme temperatures can affect certain occupations, they are less of a routine concern for most healthcare workers when compared to infectious diseases. Vehicular hazards and long-distance travel are more pertinent to roles such as emergency medical services or fieldwork rather than the typical workplace setting for most healthcare professions. Thus, option B accurately encapsulates the primary hazards faced by healthcare workers.