What Is a Risk? Understanding Risk in the Workplace (UK Guide)
In health and safety, risk refers to the chance that a hazard will cause harm, combined with how serious that harm could be.
Risk is not the same as danger — it is about likelihood and severity.
How Risk Is Assessed
Risk assessments consider:
- How likely harm is to occur
- Who may be harmed
- How severe the harm could be
These factors help employers decide what controls are required.
Examples of Risk
- Wet floor → risk of slipping
- Chemicals → risk of exposure
- Working at height → risk of falling
The same hazard may present different levels of risk depending on the environment.
Why Risk Matters
Understanding risk helps employers:
- Prioritise controls
- Allocate resources effectively
- Prevent accidents before they happen
Final thoughts
Risk assessment is about sensible, proportionate decision-making — not eliminating all danger, but managing it responsibly.
If you want a clear, repeatable way to cover the core RAMS requirements without guessing each time, see the RAMS Documentation System (UK).
