Chapter 17: Problem 2

Differentiate between a hazard and a risk. Where does vulnerability fit in?

Short Answer

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A hazard is a potential source of harm. Risk is the chance that harm will occur if exposed to a hazard. Vulnerability represents the susceptibility to harm when exposed to hazards. Risk is often figured as the product of Hazard and Vulnerability.

Step by step solution

Define Hazard

A hazard refers to a potential source of harm or adverse health effect on a person or group of persons. Hazards can be biological, chemical, physical, safety, ergonomic, or psychosocial in nature.

Define Risk

Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed, or experience an adverse health effect, if exposed to a hazard. It may also apply to situations with property or equipment loss.

Define Vulnerability

Vulnerability can be defined as the susceptibility to physical or emotional harm or damage. It relates to the degree of resistance which the potential victims or property have against potential hazards.

Relation Between Hazard, Risk, and Vulnerability

Risk is often represented as the product of the probabilities of occurrence and impact given a particular hazard. Vulnerability is factored into the potential impact. In essence, it can be visualized as: Risk = Hazard × Vulnerability.

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Differentiate between a hazard and a risk. Where does vulnerability fit in?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Hazard

Define Risk

Define Vulnerability

Relation Between Hazard, Risk, and Vulnerability

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