Difference between Risk and Hazard

Key difference: Risk is basically the potential that a behavior, action or activity will lead to a loss, an undesirable outcome or damage. A risk is a possible threat or danger that may or may not happen, whereas a hazard is a thing or a situation that has the potential to cause loss, an undesirable outcome or damage. However, it is unlikely to do so without a stimulant or behavior.

Risk and Hazard are two difference terms that are interrelated. So much so, that many people confuse them for the same thing. However, they are used differently and to relate to different things.

A hazard is a thing or a situation that can cause harm or damage. It may be biological, chemical, mechanical, environmental or a physical agent. However, if it has the possibility or causing harm to a human, an organism or to the environment, it is termed as a hazard.

However, a hazard just has the possibility or causing harm, it is not currently causing harm and is not likely to cause harm without an acting stimulant. For example: bleach is a hazard. When it is used and stored properly, it is not causing any harm. However, if it is misused or say drank, then it will cause damage. This possibility that it will cause harm is called risk.

Let’s consider another example: A toxic chemical ingredient is hazardous, but it is safely stored in a protective container that negates its effects. However, if that container is opened, there is a risk to everyone that is in that chemical ingredients vicinity. Hence, a hazard becomes a risk due to a behavior.

Essentially, risk is the rating that demonstrates chances that someone will be hurt by a hazard. The rating is usually high, medium, or low. Such as climbing a mountain peak can be hazardous; however if you are a trained mountaineer, then the climbing will be less risky for you, as compared to a novice, for whom the trek will be highly risky.

Risk is basically the potential that a behavior, action or activity will lead to a loss, an undesirable outcome or damage. A risk is a possible threat or danger that may or may not happen, whereas a hazard is a thing or a situation that has the potential to cause loss, an undesirable outcome or damage. However, it is unlikely to do so without a stimulant or behavior.

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