What is the prerequisite step before engaging in risk assessment?

The identification of hazards is the crucial first step before engaging in risk assessment because it lays the groundwork for understanding potential risks within a workplace or environment. By identifying hazards, organizations can pinpoint the sources of risk that may lead to accidents, injuries, or health issues among workers. This step involves surveying the workplace, consulting with employees, reviewing incident reports, and analyzing processes to ensure that all possible hazards are recognized.

Once hazards are identified, a thorough risk assessment can be conducted, which involves analyzing the likelihood of these hazards causing harm and evaluating the potential consequences. This step is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate risks and improve workplace safety. Without a proper identification of hazards, the risk assessment process would lack the foundational information needed to address safety concerns effectively, potentially leading to overlooked risks and unsafe working conditions.