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Hazard and risk are often used as if they mean the same thing, but they do not. Getting the difference right is the first step in any risk assessment.
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hazard | Anything with the potential to cause harm | A trailing cable across a walkway |
| Risk | The likelihood that the hazard will cause harm, combined with how serious the harm could be | A high chance of someone tripping, with a moderate injury such as a sprain or fracture |
In other words, a hazard is what could hurt you. Risk is how likely it is, and how badly.
More examples
| Hazard | Risk |
|---|---|
| Working at height | Likelihood of a fall, and its severity, depending on height, edge protection and the task |
| A chemical such as bleach | Likelihood of skin or eye contact or inhalation, and the harm caused, depending on how it is used and stored |
| Noise from a breaker | Likelihood of hearing damage, depending on noise level, exposure time and hearing protection |
| A busy road next to a site | Likelihood of a pedestrian or worker being struck, depending on traffic, barriers and crossings |
| High workload | Likelihood of work-related stress, depending on support, control and how long it lasts |
Types of hazard
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical | Noise, vibration, heat, cold, radiation, slips and trips |
| Mechanical | Moving machinery, sharp edges, entanglement |
| Electrical | Live conductors, damaged leads, overhead lines |
| Chemical | Solvents, dusts, fumes, cleaning products |
| Biological | Bacteria, viruses, legionella, mould |
| Ergonomic | Manual handling, poor workstation set-up, repetitive tasks |
| Psychosocial | Stress, violence, harassment, lone working |
| Work at height and falling objects | Ladders, scaffolds, roofs, unsecured materials |
Reducing risk, not just spotting hazards
You often cannot remove a hazard completely, but you can reduce the risk. The cable can be rerouted, the chemical replaced with a safer product, and the noisy task done a different way. The hierarchy of controls sets out the order to try, and a risk matrix helps decide which risks to tackle first.
Where this fits in risk assessment
The 5 steps to risk assessment start with identifying hazards, then deciding who might be harmed and evaluating the risk. Our free risk assessment template is laid out the same way.
Training that helps
The NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Award and IOSH Working Safely are ideal introductions for workers, covering hazards, risks and controls. Our safety hazards eLearning and risk assessment eLearning are quick online options, and IOSH Managing Safely is designed for managers and supervisors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?
A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm. A risk is the likelihood of that harm happening, combined with how serious it would be.
Is a wet floor a hazard or a risk?
The wet floor is the hazard. The chance of someone slipping and being hurt is the risk.
What are the main types of hazard?
Physical, mechanical, electrical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial hazards, plus work at height.
Can you remove all risk?
No. The law requires risks to be reduced so far as is reasonably practicable.
Read the source
HSE guidance INDG163, Risk assessment: a brief guide to controlling risks in the workplace; and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulation 3. Facts checked on 6 October 2026.
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