What does the term "hazard" refer to in a safety context?

In a safety context, the term "hazard" refers to any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse effects. It encompasses anything that could cause injury, illness, property damage, or environmental impact if not properly managed or controlled. Thus, identifying hazards is a crucial step in the risk management process, as it allows organizations to implement appropriate measures to mitigate potential risks associated with those hazards.

Recognizing that hazards are prerequisites to addressing risks is essential; if a hazard exists, it signals a need for control measures to prevent incidents from occurring. Control measures may involve eliminating the hazard altogether, substituting it with something less dangerous, or instituting procedures to manage the risk associated with it. Therefore, the correct answer encapsulates the concept that identifying what needs to be controlled is fundamental in maintaining a safe working environment.