What does "risk" mean regarding workplace safety?

In the context of workplace safety, "risk" refers to the potential harm or adverse effects that may arise from exposure to a hazard. This understanding of risk encompasses the likelihood of an event occurring, as well as the severity of that event should it happen. When employees are aware of the risks associated with specific tasks or environments, they can take appropriate precautions to minimize the chances of accidents and injuries.

This definition is crucial because it emphasizes the importance of identifying and evaluating hazards in the workplace. Unlike safety guidelines, which provide specific rules or protocols to follow, or assessments of equipment conditions, which focus on the physical state of machinery, understanding risk is fundamental to creating a safe working environment. Additionally, while management of safety reports is important for organizational safety practices, it is not directly related to the concept of risk itself.