What factors should be considered when conducting a risk assessment?

When conducting a risk assessment, it is crucial to focus on factors that directly impact the safety and health of individuals in the workplace. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of evaluating the severity of hazards, the likelihood of exposure to those hazards, and the number of people who might be at risk.

Understanding the severity of a hazard helps organizations prioritize which risks need immediate attention based on the potential consequences of an incident. For example, a hazard that could lead to serious injury or fatality is more pressing than one that might result in minor injuries.

Next, assessing the likelihood of exposure involves evaluating how often individuals may come into contact with identified hazards. This requires understanding the work environment, processes, and activities being performed. If a hazard is severe but not likely to be encountered, it may require different controls than a moderate hazard that workers face routinely.

Finally, considering the number of people at risk provides insight into the scale of the issue. A hazard affecting many individuals warrants a different level of response compared to one that affects only a few. Overall, these three factors—severity, likelihood, and the number of individuals at risk—form the foundation of effective risk assessment and are critical for implementing appropriate controls and safety measures in any workplace environment.