What is the definition of a risk in the context of health and safety?

In the context of health and safety, a risk is defined as the possibility of a hazard causing harm. This definition emphasizes the relationship between hazards and the potential negative outcomes that can arise from them. A hazard is any source of potential damage or adverse effect, and risk assesses the likelihood of that hazard leading to an actual incident or injury.

Understanding risk in this manner is crucial for managing health and safety effectively. It allows healthcare professionals to identify potential dangers, evaluate their likelihood, and implement appropriate measures to mitigate those risks, ensuring a safe environment for both staff and patients. The focus here is on the probability of harm arising from a specific hazard, highlighting the proactive nature of risk assessment and management in healthcare practices.

Other options may touch on related concepts, but they do not accurately capture the essential element of risk within health and safety, which is the potential for a hazard to cause harm.