What is the definition of risk, and how is it different from hazard?

Grasping the difference between "risk" and "hazard" is essential in the realm of occupational health and safety (OHS), as well as in related disciplines such as risk management and safety science. Although these terms may be used interchangeably in everyday discussions, they possess unique definitions that are vital for implementing effective safety practices and ensuring clear communication.

Risk is not the presence of a hazard; it’s the likelihood and consequence of that hazard interacting with real work. Work Safety Hub helps teams make that distinction operational. Through WHS Risk Assessments, we map credible scenarios, expose performance shaping factors (time pressure, interfaces, maintenance), and prioritise the few controls that must hold. We then verify what’s usable under shift conditions via Safety Audits and Inspections, so your registers move beyond labels to practical risk decisions. People are the solution; error is normal; management response matters. If you want clarity on where to focus, we can help, fast.

What is a Hazard?

A hazard is any source of potential harm or adverse effect. Hazards can be physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychological in nature. They exist independently of any specific interaction or situation.

• Examples of Hazards:
  • A slippery floor (physical hazard)
  • Toxic chemicals (chemical hazard)
  • Bacteria or viruses (biological hazard)
  • Repetitive strain-inducing workstation setup (ergonomic hazard)
  • High-pressure deadlines causing stress (psychological hazard)

According to the OHS Body of Knowledge (OHSBOK), hazards represent the inherent potential for something to cause harm but do not indicate the likelihood of harm occurring.

Once hazards are identified, value comes from understanding how risk varies with context. Our Critical Risk Reviews & Bowtie Analysis test the effectiveness of life-saving controls against real pressures, contractors, changeovers, abnormal operations, so leaders see where protection can thin out. When gaps appear, we run Learning Teams with supervisors and crews to co-design small, testable changes that strengthen controls without adding paperwork. This closes the loop between analysis and everyday work, reducing disruptions and repeat events. Make safety work, beyond paperwork. People are the solution.

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What is Risk?

Risk is the effect of uncertainty on objectives, as defined by ISO 31000, the international standard for risk management. In simpler terms, risk represents the likelihood of harm or loss occurring due to the interaction with a hazard, combined with the potential severity of the consequences.

• Key Components of Risk:
  1. Likelihood: The probability that exposure to a hazard will result in harm.
  2. Consequence: The severity or magnitude of the harm that may result.

For example, a toxic chemical may pose a high hazard due to its inherent properties, but the risk depends on how and where it is used, and the controls in place. A sealed container stored safely may present low risk, while a leaking container could significantly elevate risk.

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Key Differences Between Hazard and Risk

1. Nature:

   • A hazard is static; it exists regardless of circumstances.
   • Risk is contextual; it depends on exposure, circumstances, and the effectiveness of controls.

2. Components:

   • Hazards describe the potential for harm.
   • Risk evaluates both the likelihood and the consequence of harm.

3. Assessment:

   • Identifying a hazard is about recognizing potential sources of harm.
   • Assessing risk involves analyzing and evaluating the hazard within a specific context, considering exposure and controls.

4. Management:

   • Hazard control focuses on eliminating or isolating the source of harm.
   • Risk management often involves reducing the likelihood and/or consequence through mitigation strategies.

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Practical Application in Safety

Understanding the distinction enables safety professionals to focus their efforts effectively:

• Hazard Identification: Spotting everything in the environment that could cause harm.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluating the identified hazards in context to prioritize actions.
• Risk Control: Implementing controls such as elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative measures, or personal protective equipment (PPE).

For instance, working at heights is a hazard. Installing guardrails or using fall-arrest systems reduces the risk of injury associated with the hazard.

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Summary

A hazard refers to anything that has the potential to cause harm, while risk assesses how likely it is that this harm could occur and the potential severity of that harm within a given situation. Hazards are consistent and exist regardless of the circumstances, whereas risk is variable, influenced by factors such as controls and specific contexts. By clearly differentiating between these two concepts, safety professionals can effectively identify, evaluate, and manage potential risks in the workplace.

Confusion between hazard and risk often drives bloated procedures and thin controls. We simplify by aligning documents and decisions with how work is actually done. Our Systems & Compliance Advisory trims low-value admin and clarifies accountabilities; Safety Leadership & Culture equips managers to respond to information without blame, encouraging voice and early escalation. The outcome: clearer risk appetite, sharper prioritisation, and assurance that critical controls perform where it counts. Ready to focus on the two or three moves that matter most? Contact us for a 15-minute Safety Triage and we’ll map the next practical step.

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FAQ: What Is the Definition of Risk, and How Is It Different from Hazard?

1. Why is it important to distinguish between “risk” and “hazard”?

Understanding the difference between hazard and risk is fundamental in occupational health and safety (OHS).
While the terms are often used interchangeably in casual language, they have distinct technical meanings that determine how hazards are identified, assessed, and controlled.

In practice:

A hazard is the potential source of harm. Risk is the chance that harm will occur — and how severe it could be.

Grasping this distinction helps ensure that safety actions are proportionate, targeted, and compliant with standards such as:

• ISO 45001:2018 – Clause 6.1.2 (Hazard identification and assessment of risks)

• ISO 31000:2018 – Clause 3.1 (Definition of risk: effect of uncertainty on objectives)

• WHS Regulations 2011 – Part 3.1 (Managing risks to health and safety)

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2. What is a hazard?

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm — injury, illness, damage, or loss.
Hazards exist independently of context; they are inherent in materials, environments, or activities.

Examples of common workplace hazards:

Type	Example
Physical	A slippery floor or unguarded machine part
Chemical	Exposure to solvents or toxic vapours
Biological	Viruses, bacteria, or mould
Ergonomic	Poor workstation setup leading to repetitive strain
Psychological	Excessive workload, bullying, or stress

According to the OHS Body of Knowledge (OHSBoK), a hazard represents the potential for harm, not the likelihood of harm occurring.

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3. What is risk?

Risk is the effect of uncertainty on objectives, as defined by ISO 31000.
In practical safety management, it refers to the combination of:

• Likelihood — how probable it is that harm will occur; and

• Consequence — how severe the outcome would be if it does.

For example:

• A toxic chemical has a high hazard, but the risk depends on conditions:

  • If stored in a sealed, ventilated area → low risk.

  • If leaking or handled without PPE → high risk.

Thus, risk is contextual — it changes with exposure, environment, and controls.

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4. What are the key differences between hazard and risk?

Aspect	Hazard	Risk
Nature	Inherent potential to cause harm	Probability and severity of harm
Dependence on Context	Exists regardless of controls	Varies with controls and exposure
Purpose of Assessment	Identify what could cause harm	Determine how likely and how serious harm could be
Focus of Management	Eliminate or isolate the source	Reduce likelihood and/or consequence
Example	A live electrical wire	The chance someone receives an electric shock and its severity

Quick rule of thumb:

A hazard exists; a risk is what happens when people interact with it.

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5. How are hazards and risks managed in practice?

An effective safety process integrates both concepts into a structured approach:

1. Hazard Identification – Identify everything with the potential to cause harm.
   Example: Recognising that working at height presents a fall hazard.

2. Risk Assessment – Evaluate the likelihood and consequence of harm.
   Example: Assess the risk level for tasks performed on elevated platforms.

3. Risk Control – Apply controls using the Hierarchy of Control:

   • Elimination – Remove the hazard entirely.

   • Substitution – Replace it with something less hazardous.

   • Engineering Controls – Isolate people from the hazard (e.g., guardrails).

   • Administrative Controls – Procedures, signage, or training.

   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – As the final safeguard.

Pro Tip: Context matters — a high hazard doesn’t automatically mean a high risk if exposure is controlled.

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6. How does this distinction support compliance and best practice?

Clear differentiation between hazards and risks ensures that:

• Risk assessments are evidence-based and prioritise actions effectively.

• Resources are focused on the highest-risk scenarios, not just the most obvious hazards.

• Reporting and communication remain consistent across all levels of the organisation.

It aligns directly with:

• WHS Act 2011 Section 19(3)(f): Duty to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

• ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.2: Requirement to implement controls proportionate to the level of risk.

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7. Summary

A hazard is the source of potential harm, while risk is the chance and severity of that harm occurring within a specific context.
Hazards are constant; risk fluctuates depending on exposure and control measures.

Understanding this difference is central to:

• Identifying what can cause harm.

• Assessing how likely and how severe that harm could be.

• Managing and communicating safety effectively across the organisation.

By distinguishing hazards from risks, safety professionals can implement targeted, efficient, and compliant risk management systems that protect people and support continuous improvement.