Which statement best describes the difference between a hazard and a risk?

Which statement best describes the difference between a hazard and a risk?

• A. Hazard is a potential source of harm; risk is the likelihood and severity of harm arising from the hazard.
• B. Hazard and risk are the same concept.
• C. Risk is a source of harm; hazard is the probability of harm.
• D. Hazard is the likelihood of harm; risk is the consequence.

Answer: (A)

Think of hazard as anything that could cause harm on its own—like a chemical, a hot surface, or a frayed cable. Risk is about what could happen if someone is exposed to that hazard: how likely it is that harm will occur and how severe that harm could be, especially when you consider any controls in place. In other words, a hazard exists whether or not anyone is exposed; risk measures the chances and impact of harm given that exposure. That’s why the best description is: a hazard is a potential source of harm; risk is the likelihood and severity of harm arising from the hazard. The other statements mix up the relationships—for example, saying risk is a source of harm or that hazard is the probability of harm—so they don’t fit the true relationship.

Think of hazard as anything that could cause harm on its own—like a chemical, a hot surface, or a frayed cable. Risk is about what could happen if someone is exposed to that hazard: how likely it is that harm will occur and how severe that harm could be, especially when you consider any controls in place. In other words, a hazard exists whether or not anyone is exposed; risk measures the chances and impact of harm given that exposure.

That’s why the best description is: a hazard is a potential source of harm; risk is the likelihood and severity of harm arising from the hazard. The other statements mix up the relationships—for example, saying risk is a source of harm or that hazard is the probability of harm—so they don’t fit the true relationship.