What is the first step in the Risk Management Process?

The first step in the Risk Management Process is to identify hazards. This foundational step involves recognizing and documenting potential sources of harm or adverse effects that could affect safety. Proper identification of these hazards is crucial because it sets the stage for all subsequent steps in the risk management process. Without a clear understanding of the hazards present, any attempts to assess risks, develop controls, or implement measures would be ineffective, as you would be addressing unknown risks.

Identifying hazards allows an organization or individual to gather information about potential risks associated with specific operations or activities. This understanding of hazards enables practitioners to evaluate the level of risk, determine how significant those risks are, and develop strategies to mitigate or eliminate them. Thus, it is imperative to start with hazard identification to ensure that the later steps in the process—such as assessing risk, developing controls, and implementing those controls—are based on a comprehensive understanding of what dangers may exist.