Hazard vs risk: what's the difference?
The words hazard and risk are often used as though they mean the same thing. They don't. A simple distinction is: hazard = something with the potential to cause harm; risk = how likely that harm is and how serious it could be. HSE uses this distinction when explaining workplace risk assessment.
Example 1 — Work at height
Hazard: an open edge. Possible harm: someone falls and suffers serious injury. Risk: depends on who can reach the edge, how often, the height, the work being performed and the controls provided. Adding suitable edge protection does not necessarily make the underlying hazard cease to exist — it controls the risk arising from it.
Example 2 — Hazardous substance
Hazard: a substance capable of damaging health. The risk depends on matters such as how it is used, the exposure route, concentration, duration, frequency, quantities and controls. This is why simply identifying a chemical as hazardous isn't a COSHH assessment. See what is COSHH.
Example 3 — Vehicle movement
Hazard: moving workplace vehicles. Potential harm includes a pedestrian being struck. Risk is influenced by matters such as vehicle movements, pedestrian access, visibility, speed and segregation. Controls such as separated pedestrian routes can reduce that risk.
Example 4 — Manual handling
Hazard: a manual handling operation capable of causing injury. Risk depends on the task, load, environment, frequency and individual capability — not simply the number of kilograms. See the manual handling risk assessment.
Why does the distinction matter?
Because the assessment needs to lead to controls. If a form simply says "hazard: forklift / risk: forklift" it hasn't explained what could happen. A better description might identify — hazard: interaction between moving forklifts and pedestrians in a shared loading area; potential harm: pedestrian struck or crushed; controls: physical segregation, controlled crossing points, visibility measures and appropriate traffic management. That gives you something you can actually manage.
What is likelihood?
Likelihood considers the chance of the harm occurring. Factors may include frequency of exposure, number of people exposed, reliability of existing controls, previous incidents, duration of exposure and working conditions.
What is severity?
Severity considers the potential consequence. That might range from minor injury to life-changing injury, occupational disease or death. A low-frequency event can still require substantial controls if the potential consequences are severe.
Risk before and after controls
Some assessments distinguish initial risk (before additional controls) and residual risk (after controls). That can help show why controls are necessary. But again, the numbers are not the objective. The important question is whether suitable controls are actually in place and working.
Can all hazards be eliminated?
Sometimes. If you can remove a hazardous activity or substitute something safer, that can be much stronger than trying to manage exposure indefinitely. Where elimination isn't possible, risks need to be controlled appropriately. HSE's current risk guidance tells employers first to consider whether the hazard can be removed altogether and, if not, how the risk can be controlled.
Hazard identification is only the beginning
Finding hazards is important. But a list of hazards isn't yet a completed risk assessment. You still need to determine who might be harmed → how → how significant the risk is → what controls are needed. See the five steps.
Make workplace risks understandable
Complys helps businesses organise risk assessments so workplace hazards and the controls used to manage them can be recorded consistently, with owners and review dates.
Explore risk assessment software →FAQs
What is a hazard?
Something with the potential to cause injury or ill health.
What is risk?
The likelihood that someone could be harmed by a hazard together with consideration of how serious that harm could be.
Is a hazard the same as a risk?
No. A hazard has the potential to cause harm; risk concerns the likelihood and seriousness of that harm occurring.
Is a forklift a hazard or a risk?
A moving forklift can be a source of harm — a hazard. The risk depends on how it is operated, who is exposed and the controls in place.
Does controlling a risk remove the hazard?
Not necessarily. Some controls reduce exposure to or consequences of a hazard without eliminating the hazard itself.
Related: what is a risk assessment, five steps, review frequency, and risk assessment software. General information, not legal advice.