Main Difference
The main difference between Risk and Hazard is that Risk is the chance that somebody would get harmed by a Hazard, whereas Hazard is an agent that can cause harm.
Risk vs. Hazard
Risk is the standard of an extent or degree (high or low) to which a hazard can cause danger; on the other hand, the hazard is something that can cause any harm. For example, if an electric wire falls in the water, it is now a risk that someone might get an electric shock, but an uninsulated electrical wire is a hazard.
Risk can minimize; on the contrary, the hazard cannot. For example, if there is some construction going on a roadside, a signboard could be placed showing people that the road is temporarily unavailable, It is minimizing the ‘risk’ that someone might meet an accident there. But hazards cannot be replaced. Machinery, drugged in the road, and wet charcoal all are hazards. In other words, we can say that danger likely to be imposed on people by that particular object is the ‘risk.’ And an object itself is a ‘hazard.’
Risk is the possibility that something dangerous might occur; on the contrary, a hazard is something that threatens our environment. The risk created due to the presence of a hazard; on the other hand, a hazard caused by negligence.
Comparison Chart
| Risk | Hazard |
| Risk is the chance that someone might get harmed from a hazard | A Hazard is something that causes harm or danger |
| Examples | |
| Acid burn, electric shock, etc | Chemical/acid, electricity wires |
| Safety Measures | |
| Minimized by some signals or signboards | It cannot minimize |
| Identification | |
| Can be identified beforehand | Does not even come in the notice, i.e., a bucket of water may become hazard afterward |
| Types | |
| Two types, i.e., systematic and unsystematic | Three major types, i.e., physical, chemical, and biological hazards |
| Cause | |
| Presence of hazard | Negligence |
What is Risk?
Risk is defined as an uncontrollable loss of something that is of great importance. It may be health, life, finance, or social status. Risk can be called as unwanted interaction with vagueness. Perception of risk differs with every person.
Some people count even minor situations as big risks, while others take bigger risks in their lives. In other words, it can be said that the classification of risks (major or minor) depends on one’s mental state. Sometimes a person might create a fuss about every little thing, but sometimes he might ignore even much bigger issues. It is called risk perception.
There are many forms of risk. For example, in the food industry, the risk is that some chemicals are dangerous if they get spilled or if they reacted improperly. In radioactivity centers where high energy reactions are being carried out, highly penetrating rays emitted. As a result, the people working at such places and the people living nearby may develop harmful diseases such as skin ailments and cancer.
Risk is also called an uncertain event or set of events that have a negative effect on the achievement of objectives or plans. So, minimization of risks should be the priority in every field, no matter if it is minimum or maximum.
What is a Hazard?
A hazard is defined as an agent that causes harm to human life, environment, or buildings. Any event that occurs as a result of a hazard is called an incident. Mostly hazards are classified into two ways. They occur as a result of potential energy. This stored energy exists in the form of thermal, chemical, or mechanical energy. If this stored energy is allowed to flow, it becomes a risk and causes great harm. The other type does not involve potential energy; rather, a hazardous situation is present. It includes the presence of less space, wrong positions, low hanging objects, and irregular motions, etc.
Another kind of very common hazard includes natural hazards; they originate in the biosphere, lithosphere, or the atmosphere. They prove to be a potential threat to human life. Examples are earthquakes, land sliding, storms, hurricanes, and tsunamis.
In a dormant or static state, a hazard is merely a threat. It does not cause any harm, but once activated, a hazard cause irreversible destruction and is now called a disaster. A hazard does not even come in the notice. For example, a bucket full of water is a hazard, as it may prove to be accidental.
Hazards in Workplaces
Workplace hazards include situations which result in the release of uncontrolled energy. For example, an object falling from a height due to gravitational or potential energy, a chemical reaction that might go wrong, the release of compressed gas or steam at high pressure and temperature, physical contact with electrodes of a battery or capacitor having high voltage.
Key Differences
Conclusion
So Risk and Hazard both are two different terms. Risks can be minimized by various posters, symbols, and signboards beforehand, whereas Hazards remain the same no matter even the risks reduced.
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