What action should be taken when encountering a physical barrier?

The most appropriate action when encountering a physical barrier is to go around it. This option demonstrates a proactive and cautious approach to safety. Barriers are often put in place to prevent access for reasons such as safety hazards, restricted areas, or ongoing construction. By choosing to go around, individuals are taking the necessary steps to avoid potential danger while also adhering to safety protocols.

In many situations, attempting to climb over a barrier could lead to injuries or accidents, especially if the barrier is high, unstable, or designed to be impenetrable. Assessing the hazard is certainly a crucial step in understanding the environment and ensuring safety, but without taking action, that assessment does not result in a safe resolution. Ignoring a physical barrier poses significant risks, as it involves disregarding established safety measures. Therefore, going around the barrier is the safest and most responsible choice to ensure personal safety and compliance with safety regulations.