Risk assessment
Risk assessment is a systematic process designed to identify hazards and evaluate the risks they pose to people or the environment. Hazards can take many forms - physical, chemical, or biological - and refer to anything with the potential to cause harm.
The level of risk, whether high or low, is determined by the likelihood of harm occurring due to exposure to these hazards. Through structured evaluation, risk assessment helps organizations and industries proactively address potential dangers, ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
One of the most well-known risk assessment frameworks in the food industry is Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), which systematically identifies, evaluates, and controls food safety hazards. For broader scientific insights, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes comprehensive risk assessments and scientific opinions, serving as a valuable resource for evidence-based decision-making (see for example here). Additionally, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) offers practical tools, such as the OIRA Interactive Tool, which guides users through the risk assessment process, making it accessible for businesses and professionals (OIRA Tool).
To conduct an effective risk assessment, leading questions help structure the evaluation: What could cause harm or sickness to people or the environment? and Can the hazards be eliminated entirely? If elimination isn’t possible, the focus shifts to implementing preventive or protective measures to control and minimize risks. This approach ensures that potential dangers are managed responsibly, fostering safer workplaces, products, and environmental practices.