Which statement best describes Risk?

• A. It is a policy measure.
• B. It is a measure of time delay.
• C. It is an expression of possible loss, adverse outcome or negative consequence; such as injury, illness or materiel damage in terms of probability and severity.
• D. It is a guaranteed safety outcome.

Answer: (C)

Risk is the chance that something bad could happen and how bad it would be if it does. It describes possible losses or negative outcomes, like injury, illness, or equipment damage, using both how likely the event is and how severe the impact would be. It’s not a policy action, not a measure of time delay, and it isn’t a guaranteed safety outcome—risk exists because outcomes are uncertain and vary in magnitude. For example, performing a task on uneven ground carries a certain probability of a fall and the potential for serious injury, giving you a risk that you can manage with appropriate controls.