What is the primary purpose of a risk assessment?

The primary purpose of a risk assessment is to determine control measures necessary to manage identified risks effectively. This process involves evaluating potential hazards within a specific context, which helps in understanding the likelihood and impact of different risks. By identifying and assessing these dangers, organizations can implement appropriate control measures to mitigate risks, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.

Determining control measures allows decision-makers to prioritize risks, allocate resources efficiently, and create a safer work environment. This proactive approach is essential as it not only protects employees but can also enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with accidents or incidents.

While eliminating all risks might be an ideal goal, it is often impractical or impossible in many environments. Similarly, assigning penalties is more about post-incident accountability rather than preventing risks from happening. Creating a safety policy itself is a broader framework that may result from the risk assessment process but does not capture the immediate goal of identifying and outlining necessary control measures. Thus, focusing on control measures is central to effective risk management and organizational safety planning.