Hazard vs. risk
What is a hazard A substance or activity which has the potential to cause adverse effects to living organisms or environments? What is a risk? Do you know the difference?
Watch these videos to find out: know the hazard, reduce the risk!
| ; | Hazard: | Risk: |
|---|---|---|
| A Hazard is something that has the potential to harm you. | Risk is the likelihood of a hazard causing harm. |
| Mushroom | |
| A poisonous mushroom in the woods is a hazard | Eating a poisonous mushroom is a risk |
| Traffic | |
| A car passing in the street is a hazard | Crossing the street while not paying attention is a risk |
| Electricity | |
| Electrical current is a hazard | Replacing broken lightbulbs near water is a risk |
| Avalanche | |
| An avalanche in the mountains is a hazard | Skiing off-piste is a risk |
| Ice | |
| Thin ice on lakes or rivers is a hazard | Ice skating on thin ice is a risk |
| Bacteria | |
| A foodborne bacterium is a hazard | Eating spoilt food infected by bacteria is a risk |
| Knife | |
| A sharp blade is a hazard | Using a knife without care is a risk |
| Sun | |
| A very hot sun is a hazard | Sunbathing without skin protection is a risk |
| Fire | |
| A forest fire is a hazard | Starting a campfire when camping outdoors is a risk |
| Waves | |
| A strong wave at the seaside is a hazard | Swimming in a rough sea is a risk |