Risk assessment

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Risk assessment is a systematic process of evaluating the potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking. It is an integral part of planning and decision-making processes in various fields, including healthcare, business, and environmental science.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Risk assessment is defined as the identification and analysis of potential hazards that could negatively impact an individual's health, a business's operations, or an environment's condition. It involves the evaluation of the severity of the potential risk and the probability that the risk will occur.

Process[edit | edit source]

The process of risk assessment involves several steps:

  1. Identification of hazards: This involves determining what could potentially cause harm. This could be a physical object, a chemical substance, a biological agent, or a work process.
  2. Determination of who might be harmed and how: This involves identifying who might be affected by the hazard and how they might be harmed.
  3. Evaluation of risks: This involves determining the likelihood and severity of the potential harm.
  4. Implementation of control measures: This involves deciding on and implementing measures to eliminate or reduce the risk.
  5. Review of the assessment: This involves regularly reviewing the risk assessment to ensure it remains up-to-date.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Risk assessment is used in a variety of fields, including:

  1. Healthcare: In healthcare, risk assessment is used to identify potential health risks to patients and healthcare workers. This can include risks related to medical procedures, medication use, and infection control.
  2. Business: In business, risk assessment is used to identify potential risks that could impact a company's operations or financial stability. This can include risks related to market conditions, operational processes, and legal compliance.
  3. Environmental science: In environmental science, risk assessment is used to identify potential risks to the environment. This can include risks related to pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

See also[edit | edit source]

Risk assessment Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD