The terms hazard and risk are used interchangeably in discussions about day-to-day activities. These words do not have the same meaning. Below are the common definitions for risk and hazard.

A hazard is a condition that exists or has the potential to cause harm.

A risk is an expression of the likelihood that a condition could cause a consequence.

Hence, a risk is determined based on information about the hazard.

We use hazard information every day to make decisions about the risks of our activities which vary from what to eat as well as decisions about billion-dollar projects. To learn more about the relationship between risk and hazard watch the video titled, “What is the relationship between hazard and risk” by clicking here.