What does the term "hazard" refer to in a workplace context?

In the context of workplace safety, the term "hazard" refers to a situation or a thing that has the potential to harm a person. This encompasses various types of hazards, including physical hazards (like machinery or electrical components), chemical hazards (such as exposure to harmful substances), and ergonomic hazards (related to workplace design and human interaction). Recognizing what constitutes a hazard is fundamental to identifying risks and implementing effective safety measures.

The other options describe different aspects of safety management but do not define hazardous situations themselves. The likelihood of an accident occurring pertains to risk assessment, which evaluates how probable it is that a hazard could lead to harm. A safety protocol refers to the procedures or methods established to respond to emergencies, ensuring that workers know how to react when a hazard manifests. Regulatory requirements address the legal standards that employers must meet to safeguard employees, yet these do not define what a hazard actually is. Understanding what hazards are allows workers and employers to take appropriate actions to control or eliminate risks in the workplace.