A hazard and a risk are two terms that are often used interchangeably in safety and health circles. However, it is important to understand the difference between the two. Knowing the difference can help you understand the risks associated with the workplace and how to mitigate them.
What is a Hazard?
A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects on something or someone. It is a condition or an environmental factor that has the potential to cause harm. Hazards can be physical, chemical, biological, or psychosocial. Examples of physical hazards include electricity, heat, or radiation; chemical hazards include asbestos or lead; biological hazards include viruses or bacteria; and psychosocial hazards include stress or bullying.
What is a Risk?
A risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm. It is an estimation of the probability of a hazard causing harm and the severity of that harm. Risk can be assessed by analyzing the probability of a hazard occurring and the severity of the harm it may cause. Risk assessment helps to identify the risks associated with a workplace and how to mitigate them.
In conclusion, it is important to understand the difference between a hazard and a risk. A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects on something or someone. A risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm, and is assessed by analyzing the probability of a hazard occurring and the severity of the harm it may cause. Knowing the difference between a hazard and a risk can help to identify and mitigate workplace risks.