What is risk?

• A. A type of PPE
• B. A training course
• C. A measure of efficiency
• D. Chance of a hazard causing harm or damage

Answer: (D)

Risk is the chance that a hazard could cause harm or damage, considering both how likely it is to happen and how serious the outcome could be. In forklift work, you look at hazards like a reversed forklift near pedestrians or an unstable load, and you judge how probable an incident is and how bad the injury or damage could be. The goal is to reduce that risk with controls such as clear separation of people and equipment, speed limits, warning devices, proper load securement, and good supervision. PPE is protective gear used to reduce injury if an incident occurs, and training helps people work safely, but neither defines risk itself. Risk is about the probability and severity of potential harm, not about efficiency or just the presence of safety gear.