In hazard analysis, the calculation of risk multiplies probability by severity to determine the potential for loss. What is the general outcome called?

• A. Class of Hazard
• B. Risk Score
• C. Hazard Index
• D. Safety Rating

Answer: (A)

The general outcome is a risk score. By multiplying how likely something is (probability) by how bad the consequences would be (severity), you obtain a numeric or labeled value that represents the potential loss if the hazard occurs. This risk score is used to compare hazards and decide where to focus controls—the higher the score, the higher the priority for mitigation.

Think of it as a simple way to translate a hazard into a single measure of concern. For example, a highly probable hazard with severe consequences will yield a high risk score, signaling urgent attention, while a rare hazard with minor consequences will yield a low score and require less urgent action. The terms class of hazard, hazard index, and safety rating describe different ideas: they may categorize or rate hazards in various ways but they do not universally represent the product of probability and severity in the same direct sense as a risk score.