Question

Distinguish the difference between a hazard and a risk?

Answer 1

A hazard is something that can cause harm, e.g. electricity, chemicals, working at height , fire etc.

A risk is the chance, high or low, that any hazard will actually cause somebody harm. Mathematically risk is the product of probability and consequence. Eg: Travelling in a flight is risk , because the probability of any accident is less but consequences if anything occurs is high.

Examples, working alone away from your office can be a hazard. The risk of personal danger may be high. Electric cabling is a hazard. If it has snagged on a sharp object, the exposed wiring places it in a 'high-risk' category.