What is one inherent hazard of confined spaces?

Thermal exposure is indeed an inherent hazard of confined spaces. In such environments, there can be limited ventilation, which can lead to the accumulation of heat. Workers in confined spaces may be at risk of heat stress or heat exhaustion, especially if the tasks being performed generate additional heat or if proper hydration is not maintained. This risk is particularly significant in environments that are not designed to facilitate airflow or temperature control, making it essential for employers and safety professionals to monitor thermal conditions and implement appropriate control measures.

The other options, while they can pose risks in specific situations, are not as universally recognized as inherent hazards of all confined spaces. For instance, structural collapses may occur in certain poorly constructed confined spaces, but they are not an everyday risk in all confined environments. Excessive noise can be present in many industrial settings but is not exclusive or inherent to confined spaces. Visual impairment is certainly a concern, particularly in poorly lit areas, but it is not an inherent characteristic of confined spaces themselves. Thus, thermal exposure stands out as a key inherent hazard that requires attention when working in confined spaces.