What type of hazard involves the risk of being caught in or under material in a confined space?

The correct answer refers to the specific hazard known as engulfment, which occurs when a person is submerged or caught in materials such as liquids, grains, or loose soil within a confined space. This type of hazard is particularly dangerous because it can happen quickly, and the affected individual may be unable to escape due to the weight or flow of the material, leading to suffocation or drowning.

In the context of confined spaces, certain materials can shift, flow, or collapse, causing serious injury or fatality if a worker is in close proximity. Understanding engulfment is crucial for safety practices in environments such as silos, pits, or tanks where such materials are present.

Air contamination refers to the presence of harmful gases or vapors in the air, which can lead to respiratory hazards but does not encompass being caught by materials. Entrapment also suggests being caught, but it typically pertains to being stuck in a way that does not involve the risk of material suffocation. Temperature extremes refer to hazardous levels of heat or cold but do not relate to physical entrapment by materials. Thus, engulfment is the most accurate choice for this specific hazard.