What does the term 'hazard' refer to in the context of OHS?

In the context of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), the term 'hazard' refers specifically to a potential source of harm or adverse effect on a person or thing. This definition captures the essence of what a hazard is in a workplace or any environment where health and safety are a concern. It emphasizes the idea that hazards are not necessarily incidents or injuries themselves but are rather the conditions or factors that could lead to such outcomes if not properly managed or mitigated.

Understanding hazards as potential sources of harm is crucial for OHS professionals, as it forms the foundation for risk assessment, incident prevention, and the implementation of control measures. Identifying hazards allows organizations to proactively address them before they result in accidents, injuries, or other adverse effects, thus promoting a safer workplace.

The other choices relate to concepts that are important in OHS but do not define what a hazard specifically is. For instance, a condition that can lead to accidents or injuries describes a scenario that may occur due to the presence of a hazard but does not encapsulate the broader definition of what constitutes a hazard. Established safety protocols and personal protective equipment are tools and strategies used to manage hazards, but they do not represent the hazards themselves.