A hazard is best defined as which of the following?

• A. A potential risk that could occur
• B. A condition, substance, or device that directly causes injury or damage
• C. A measure to prevent a loss
• D. An organization chart

Answer: (B)

A hazard is anything in the environment that has the potential to cause harm. The option that fits this idea describes a condition, substance, or device that directly causes injury or damage, since it identifies the source from which harm could come. The other statements point to risk (the chance that harm will occur), a preventive measure (something used to stop harm), or something unrelated (an organization chart). In practice, hazards are the sources of potential harm, while risk is about the likelihood and severity of harm occurring if exposed, which is why recognizing hazards is the first step in applying controls to prevent injury.