Hazard
- A hazard is a potential source of harm that can cause damage to health, life, property, or any other interest of value.
- Hazards can be classified in several ways, such as natural, anthropogenic, technological, or any combination.
- Hazards can be substances, events, or circumstances that can cause harm.
- Hazards can be classified by the populations that may be affected and the severity of the potential harm.
- Hazards can be stored energy that, when released, can cause damage. The stored energy can occur in many forms, such as chemical, mechanical, and thermal hazards.
Risk
- Risk refers to the probability or likelihood of developing a disease or getting injured.
- Risk is the chance of harm being realized in a specific incident, combined with the magnitude of potential harm.
- Risk can be expressed as a probability or likelihood of harm.
- Risk assessment is the process of evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm from a hazard.
- Hazards and risks work together to enable employers to fully assess their workplace safety.
In summary, a hazard is a potential source of harm, while risk is the likelihood of harm being realized. Hazards can be classified in several ways, and risks can be expressed as a probability or likelihood of harm. Hazards and risks work together to enable employers to fully assess their workplace safety.
