In risk assessment, what does a hazard represent?

In the context of risk assessment, a hazard is fundamentally understood as the source of potential harm or adverse effects. This definition reflects the idea that hazards can lead to risks, which are typically associated with the probability and severity of an incident occurring as a result of those hazards.

Identifying hazards is crucial in the risk assessment process because it allows for the evaluation of what could cause harm, whether it be physical, chemical, ergonomic, or biological factors. By pinpointing the source of risk, safety professionals can implement measures to mitigate or eliminate the risk involved.

The other options involve concepts that are related to risk but do not accurately define what a hazard is. For instance, consequences of an incident pertain to the aftermath of a risk manifesting rather than the source itself. Probability of injury relates to the likelihood of such an incident occurring, whereas outcomes of safety measures are results stemming from the mitigation strategies applied to manage identified hazards. Therefore, focusing on the definition of a hazard as the source of risk is vital for effective risk management and safety protocols.