Which RM step is the first to be performed in the process?

• A. Assess hazards
• B. Develop controls and make risk decisions
• C. Implement controls
• D. Identify hazards

Answer: (D)

Identifying hazards first is essential because you can’t assess risk or decide on controls without knowing what could cause harm. This step involves scanning the mission, environment, people, equipment, and tasks to surface every potential source of injury or loss—physical dangers, chemical or biological risks, ergonomic strains, operational pitfalls, and any other factors that could harm mission success. Using tools like mission analysis, checklists, past incidents, standard operating procedures, and team brainstorming helps ensure you don’t overlook anything.

Once hazards are identified, you can evaluate how likely each hazard is to cause harm and how severe the impact could be, which informs how you prioritize controls and risk decisions. After that, you develop and implement the appropriate controls, and finally you supervise and reassess to ensure controls remain effective.