The words “Risk Assessment”, and “Hazard Identification” are bandied about by manufacturers, designers, and owners to justify a sale or purchase when products, projects, or services do not meet the minimum requirements of published standards or the standards to not provide sufficient injury prevention. These RA or HIRAs have become sales tools, with many being a detriment to themselves, their customers and end users. Ultimately when and injury occurs that the injured party decides is not acceptable, the dubious document will come out and be judged.

Risk is the combination of the probability of harm and the severity of that harm. Very simple? Well no. This is a complex situation since the harm can be to persons, the environment, an organization, etc. The harm can come from a number of causes. In some cases, they are known, while in others they should be known or are unknown to the risk assessor, but known to other experts in the field, making the analysis complex. Generally, being harmed will involve the demand for a financial compensation to reverse the damage or harm. The severity of the harm will likely determine the magnitude of the cost.