Explain the difference between hazard identification and risk assessment.

Explain the difference between hazard identification and risk assessment.

• A. Hazard identification finds potential sources of harm; risk assessment evaluates probability and severity of harm from identified hazards to prioritize controls.
• B. Hazard identification is about probabilities; risk assessment is about causes.
• C. They are identical processes.
• D. Hazard identification is for new hazards only; risk assessment is for existing hazards only.

Answer: (C)

Hazard identification and risk assessment are two steps in risk management with distinct roles. Hazard identification is the process of finding potential sources of harm in the workplace—things like dangerous chemicals, flawed equipment, or unsafe procedures. It answers the question of what hazards exist, focusing on uncovering possible causes of harm rather than judging how likely or how severe harm might be. Risk assessment takes those identified hazards and evaluates how likely harm is to occur and how serious it could be if it does. It looks at probability and consequence, often using a risk matrix or similar method, to prioritize which hazards need the strongest controls and what level of mitigation is required. That’s why they are not identical processes, and hazard identification isn’t about probabilities while risk assessment isn’t about causes in isolation. They also aren’t limited to new hazards versus existing ones; both steps apply as part of ongoing safety management.

Hazard identification and risk assessment are two steps in risk management with distinct roles. Hazard identification is the process of finding potential sources of harm in the workplace—things like dangerous chemicals, flawed equipment, or unsafe procedures. It answers the question of what hazards exist, focusing on uncovering possible causes of harm rather than judging how likely or how severe harm might be.

Risk assessment takes those identified hazards and evaluates how likely harm is to occur and how serious it could be if it does. It looks at probability and consequence, often using a risk matrix or similar method, to prioritize which hazards need the strongest controls and what level of mitigation is required.

That’s why they are not identical processes, and hazard identification isn’t about probabilities while risk assessment isn’t about causes in isolation. They also aren’t limited to new hazards versus existing ones; both steps apply as part of ongoing safety management.