What is the goal of a risk assessment?

The goal of a risk assessment is to systematically identify and evaluate potential hazards and their associated risks. This process is essential for understanding the possible dangers that could arise in the workplace and how those dangers could impact employees, operations, and the environment. By thoroughly identifying hazards, organizations can analyze the likelihood of these hazards occurring and the potential severity of their consequences. This information is critical for implementing effective safety measures and ensuring that resources are properly allocated to manage risks, thereby improving overall safety and compliance in the work environment.

Evaluating employee performance, reducing training costs, or arranging emergency drills, while important components of occupational safety and health programs, do not capture the fundamental purpose of a risk assessment. These elements may be outcomes or secondary objectives of a comprehensive safety strategy, but they do not encompass the primary goal of systematically assessing risk.