bahaya

Bahaya is an Indonesian word meaning danger or hazard. In everyday language and in technical contexts, it denotes a condition or situation that has the potential to cause harm to people, property, or the environment. In safety discourse, bahaya refers to the inherent hazard presented by something, whereas risiko (risk) refers to the likelihood and magnitude of harm if exposure occurs.

Hazards can take many forms. Physical hazards include electric shock, moving machinery, falls, and extreme temperatures. Chemical hazards arise from toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive substances. Biological hazards involve exposure to bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other living agents. Ergonomic hazards relate to repetitive movements or poor posture that can cause injury. Radiological hazards involve ionizing or non-ionizing radiation. Environmental hazards involve natural events such as floods or pollution that threaten safety.

Managing bahaya typically follows a process of hazard identification, risk assessment, and implementation of controls. Controls are arranged in a hierarchy: engineering controls to remove or reduce the hazard; administrative controls to change procedures or schedules; and personal protective equipment to shield individuals. Warning signs, labels, and public information campaigns help to communicate bahaya to the community.

In Indonesian and Malay regulatory and workplace contexts, the word bahaya is commonly used on signs and in safety documentation to indicate hazards that require mitigation. Understanding the distinction between bahaya and risiko helps organizations prioritize safety measures and allocate resources effectively.