What is the first step in conducting a risk assessment?

Identifying the hazard is the crucial first step in conducting a risk assessment because it lays the foundation for the entire process. By pinpointing potential dangers, you create a clear understanding of what needs to be evaluated further. Recognizing hazards allows the assessment team to focus their efforts on specific areas that pose risks, which is essential for effective risk management. Without identifying the hazards, subsequent steps such as assessing the likelihood of accidents or evaluating safety protocols would lack the necessary context. Establishing a solid baseline of the hazards present ensures that all risk evaluations are comprehensive and relevant to the specific environment or operation being assessed.