The Difference Between Hazard and Risk

Use three nouns before you choose a control: source, exposure, consequence. Source The source is the hazard: sharp edge, vapor, energy, blocked path, heat, noise, repetition, pressure, or violence potential. Exposure Exposure is the meeting point between people and the hazard. Who contacts it? How often? For how long? Under what conditions? Consequence Consequence is the credible harm: cut, crush, burn, strain, illness, collision, fall, or evacuation delay. When you separate these, your control gets sharper. Moving the bin reduces exposure. Replacing the bin design changes the hazard interface. Gloves only reduce harm if contact still occurs.

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