What is the first step in conducting a risk assessment?

The first step in conducting a risk assessment is identifying potential hazards. This is crucial because you cannot effectively assess risks or establish safety measures without first understanding what the specific hazards are within the environment or process being evaluated. By identifying potential hazards, you create a foundation for further steps in the risk assessment process, which involve analyzing the risks associated with those hazards and determining how they can impact employees, equipment, and operations.

Identifying hazards can include recognizing unsafe conditions, behaviors, or situations that could lead to accidents or health issues. This systematic approach allows organizations to prioritize which hazards need immediate attention and to strategize on how to eliminate or control those risks before they result in harm. Steps like conducting employee interviews, reviewing past accidents, or implementing safety measures come after this identification phase, as they rely on having a clear understanding of what the hazards are in the first place.