Often, the terms risk and hazard are used interchangeably, but are they the same? Let us clarify: no, the differences are subtle but significant. Broadly speaking, risk refers to the possibility of an adverse or harmful event occurring and is intrinsically linked to uncertainty and probability. Meanwhile, hazard indicates an immediate or potential threat to health, safety, or well-being, without necessarily implying a probability assessment.
Risk is a measure of probability and the magnitude of an adverse event or loss that may occur in the future. In the workplace context, this can include accidents, occupational diseases, or property damage. It is also important to understand that eliminating risk entirely is almost impossible.
However, risk management can be carried out to identify, evaluate, and mitigate its negative impact and maximize opportunities. Within the scope of risk, three distinctions can be made:
Hazard refers to any condition, situation, or event that has the potential to cause harm, injury, illness, or loss to people or any other aspect of interest. In this sense, circumstances representing a threat to safety and well-being are usually seen as hazardous.
Hazards can manifest in various forms, including physical hazards such as falls, fires, hazardous chemicals; biological hazards such as bacteria or viruses; psychosocial hazards, including workplace stress and harassment; ergonomic hazards; and safety hazards, such as lack of signage or defective machinery.
An important step in addressing hazards is to identify them. This allows for the evaluation and implementation of preventive and control measures to reduce or eliminate their negative impact.
So far, we have detailed the characteristics that distinguish risk from hazard. Now, what elements make them different? Here are four key aspects that highlight the difference between risk and hazard. Let’s go!
Risk involves assessing the probability and magnitude of an adverse event occurring due to exposure to a hazard. Meanwhile
Risk evaluates the probability of an adverse event occurring and the impact level it could have if it happens. In contrast, hazard indicates the existence of a threat without necessarily considering the probability of it materializing.
In the case of risk, it involves a prospective assessment of future events based on probability and potential impact. Hazard, on the other hand, is a present condition representing an immediate or potential threat.
As explained, risk management focuses on evaluating possible consequences of adverse situations to implement control measures to mitigate their impact if they occur. Hazard management focuses on identifying, evaluating, and controlling conditions or situations that may cause harm.
Suppose you are working in a factory and need to move a heavy load using a forklift. In such cases, you must use appropriate protection. However, you decide to ignore established safety procedures and do not wear the seatbelt while operating the forklift. Here you are exposed to a risk because there is a possibility of falling from the forklift and getting injured due to non-compliance with safety protocols.
Now, consider that you are working in the same factory and, while operating the forklift without the seatbelt, you encounter a section of the floor that is weakened and about to give way. In this case, the situation becomes an immediate hazard as there is a real possibility that the floor will collapse while you are on the forklift, which could result in a fall from a significant height.
Want to learn more about risk and hazard management in business contexts? Keep reading the Educa.Pro blog! We recommend this article on the Occupational Risk Prevention Law and this one on the consequences of having, or not, good working conditions.
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