When it comes to amateur health and safety efforts, the words ‘hazard’ and ‘risk’ are often used interchangeably. However, these terms have both totally different meanings and totally different functions. Let’s take a look at definitions for both words: In short, a hazard can cause harm. A risk is how likely it is to do so. The two terms work together to enable employers fully assess their working environment for potential dangers and prioritise them effectively. Let’s look more in-depth at hazards and how they can be identified and categorised.
When it comes to amateur health and safety efforts, the words ‘hazard’ and ‘risk’ are often used interchangeably. However, these terms have both totally different meanings and totally different functions. Let’s take a look at definitions for both words:
- Hazard: something that could potentially cause harm.
- Risk: the degree of likelihood that harm will be caused.
In short, a hazard can cause harm. A risk is how likely it is to do so. The two terms work together to enable employers fully assess their working environment for potential dangers and prioritise them effectively. Let’s look more in-depth at hazards and how they can be identified and categorised.
