In the 5-step RM Process, which step involves identifying hazards?

• A. Identify hazards
• B. Assess hazards
• C. Make decisions
• D. Supervise

Answer: (A)

Identifying hazards is the first step in the five-step risk management process. This stage is about spotting everything that could cause harm to people, property, or the mission in the given task, environment, equipment, or operation. You’re not evaluating risk yet or choosing controls—just making a comprehensive list of potential sources of danger. Getting this step right is crucial because without recognizing the hazards, you can’t accurately assess risk, decide on appropriate controls, implement them effectively, or monitor their effectiveness later. After hazards are identified, you move on to assessing them, then developing controls and making risk decisions, implementing the controls, and finally supervising to ensure the risk remains managed.