Hazard vs Risk: What’s the difference?

Hazard and risk are two related but distinct concepts in the context of health and safety:

Hazard

A hazard is any source of potential harm or adverse health effect.

It can be an object, substance, condition, or activity with the potential to cause injury, illness, or damage to property or the environment.

Characteristics of a hazard

Hazards can vary widely and may include physical hazards (e.g. machinery), ergonomic hazards (e.g. poor workstation setup), chemical hazards (e.g., toxic substances), biological hazards (e.g., bacteria), or psychosocial hazards (e.g. workplace stress).

Hazards exist independently of human interaction. They represent the inherent properties or characteristics of an object, substance, situation, or process that could lead to harm under certain conditions.

Examples of hazards include sharp objects, toxic chemicals, infectious microorganisms, repetitive movements causing strain, and stressful work environments.

Risk

Risk is the likelihood or probability of harm occurring as a result of exposure to a hazard. It combines the severity of the potential harm with the likelihood of it happening.

Risk is typically assessed based on two components: severity and likelihood:

1. Severity The extent of harm that could result from exposure to the hazard.
2. Likelihood The probability or chance of that harm occurring under specific circumstances.

For example, the risk of injury from a sharp object would depend on factors such as how often workers interact with it, how they handle it, and whether protective measures are in place.

Scenario 1: Hazard – Chemical Substances

Hazard: Chemical substances like bleach or ammonia are hazardous because they have the potential to cause harm, such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, or even chemical burns.

Risk: The risk associated with these chemical substances depends on factors like the concentration of the chemical, duration and frequency of exposure, and the effectiveness of control measures.

For example, if a worker is using bleach in a well-ventilated area with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), undertakes COSHH training and follows safe handling procedures, the risk of harm is minimised. However, if the worker is exposed to concentrated bleach without adequate ventilation or protection, the risk of harm increases significantly.

Scenario 2: Hazard – Machinery in a Factory

Hazard: Machinery in a factory, such as conveyor belts or industrial presses, poses physical hazards like crushing, entanglement, or impact injuries.

Risk: The risk associated with machinery depends on factors like the speed of operation, presence of safety guards, training of operators, and maintenance procedures.

For instance, if a factory machine is properly guarded, regularly maintained, and operated by trained personnel, the risk of injury is reduced. However, if safety guards are removed, maintenance is neglected, or operators are not adequately trained, the risk of accidents and injuries increases.

Example 3: Hazard – Stress in an Office Environment

Hazard: Stressors in an office environment, such as high workload, tight deadlines, or interpersonal conflicts, pose hazards to mental health and well-being.

Risk: The risk associated with stress depends on factors like workload management, communication channels, support systems, and organisational culture.

For example, if employers implement flexible work arrangements, provide stress management training, and foster a supportive work environment, the risk of stress-related problems like burnout or anxiety is reduced. However, if work demands are consistently high, communication is poor, and there’s a lack of support, the risk of stress-related issues increases.

Example 4: Hazard – Slippery Floor

Hazard: A wet or slippery floor in a workplace poses a hazard as it increases the risk of slip and fall accidents.

Risk: The risk associated with a slippery floor depends on factors like the type of flooring material, presence of warning signs, cleaning procedures, and footwear.

For example, if a spillage is promptly cleaned up, warning signs are placed to alert people, and employees wear slip-resistant footwear, the risk of slips and falls is minimised. However, if spills are left unattended, warning signs are missing, or employees wear inappropriate footwear, the risk of accidents and injuries increases.

In summary, hazards represent potential sources of harm, while risks assess the likelihood and severity of harm occurring as a result of exposure to those hazards.

Summary

In essence, a hazard is a potential source of harm, while risk assesses the likelihood and severity of harm occurring as a result of exposure to that hazard. Understanding both hazards and risks is essential for effective health and safety management in workplaces and other environments.

Find out more about managing hazard and risk with our accredited health and safety training courses.

For instance, you may like:

Risk Assessment Training Course

DSE Risk Assessor Training

Health and Safety Competent Person Course