What is defined as the potential for harm in a workplace?

The correct choice is the definition of a hazard, which refers to a source of potential harm or a situation with the potential to cause injury, damage, or adverse health effects in the workplace. Hazards can take various forms, such as physical hazards (like machinery or electrical equipment), chemical hazards (like exposure to toxic substances), biological hazards (like bacteria or viruses), or ergonomic hazards (like repetitive strain injuries).

Understanding what constitutes a hazard is crucial for workplace safety, as it helps organizations identify potential dangers proactively. Recognizing and assessing hazards allows for the implementation of appropriate safety measures to protect employees and minimize risks.

In this context, other options have distinct meanings that differentiate them from a hazard. A risk, for example, refers to the likelihood of a hazard causing harm, while an incident denotes an event that results in injury or damage. A safety measure, on the other hand, refers to actions or policies implemented to mitigate risks associated with identified hazards. Each of these terms plays a specific role in workplace safety, but a hazard is the fundamental concept indicating a potential source of harm.