What is the proper sequence in a risk assessment?

• A. Identify hazards, assess likelihood and severity, implement controls, communicate risk
• B. Identify hazards
• C. Identify hazards, assess likelihood and severity, implement controls, communicate risk, and obtain authorization to proceed
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (C)

The sequence starts with identifying hazards because you can’t manage what you haven’t seen. Once hazards are known, you assess how likely each one is to cause harm and how severe that harm could be. That evaluation gives you the risk level and guides which controls are needed to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. After selecting and applying those controls, you communicate the risk and the mitigation plan to the team and stakeholders so everyone understands the situation and the steps being taken. Finally, you obtain authorization to proceed, ensuring formal oversight and a go-ahead before operations begin. This flow keeps risk proactive, traceable, and accountable, rather than stopping at simply spotting hazards or skipping essential steps.