What is the first step in conducting a risk assessment?

The first step in conducting a risk assessment is identifying potential hazards. This process involves recognizing and understanding any situation, activity, or condition that could potentially cause harm to people, property, or the environment. By identifying these hazards upfront, it allows teams to gather valuable information and context that is critical in the later stages of the risk assessment process.

After hazards are identified, the subsequent steps include evaluating the risks associated with those hazards and deciding on appropriate control measures to mitigate those risks effectively. The data collected during the identification phase forms the foundation for these subsequent evaluations, allowing for a more informed and structured approach to risk management. This structured assessment ensures thoroughness and helps prioritize which risks need immediate attention based on their potential impact and likelihood of occurrence.

Implementing safety measures, evaluating existing controls, and reporting findings are all crucial components of the risk assessment process, but they occur after the identification of potential hazards has been completed.