hazard

Hazard refers to any source of potential harm or adverse effect on a person, property, or the environment. It is an intrinsic property of a substance, activity, or situation, while risk describes the probability that harm will occur and the severity of that harm under exposure conditions. In safety and health contexts, the goal is to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement measures to reduce or control them.

Hazards are commonly grouped into physical hazards (noise, heat, radiation), chemical hazards (toxic, corrosive, flammable substances), biological hazards (bacteria, viruses, molds), ergonomic hazards (repetitive motion, awkward postures), psychosocial hazards (stress, violence), and environmental hazards (air or water pollution, extreme weather). Natural hazards such as floods and earthquakes may also be considered, along with man-made hazards like chemical spills or structural failures.

Hazard identification and risk assessment are core components of safety management. Methods include inspections, incident reporting, checklists, and process hazard analyses such as HAZOP. The control of hazards follows a hierarchy: eliminate or substitute the hazard where possible, implement engineering controls, adopt administrative controls, and provide personal protective equipment. Effective risk management also involves training, procedures, and communication to ensure workers and the public understand the hazards and the measures in place.

Regulatory frameworks and international classifications guide hazard communication and chemical hazard labeling, including the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), occupational safety agencies such as OSHA, and European regulations like REACH and CLP. Hazard assessment informs decision making in workplaces, healthcare, environmental protection, engineering, and disaster planning.