What is the first step in conducting a risk assessment?

Identifying hazards is the foundational step in conducting a risk assessment. This initial phase involves recognizing potential sources of harm or situations that could lead to injury or health issues in the workplace. By systematically identifying these hazards, whether they stem from the physical environment, equipment, procedures, or human behavior, you lay the groundwork for the subsequent steps in the risk assessment process.

Once hazards are identified, it becomes possible to evaluate the associated risks, implement safety measures, and document findings effectively. Skipping this crucial first step would undermine the effectiveness of the entire risk assessment, as it's essential to know what specific dangers are present before adequately addressing or controlling them.