Risk management of electrical hazards

Most occupational health and safety professionals understand the difference between “hazard” and “risk.” However, the distinction between these terms is not well understood in the electrical industry where the terms are often used interchangeably. This gap between these two groups of professionals needs to be bridged to ensure electrical hazards and the risks arising from those hazards are effectively addressed. The objective of this paper is to clarify the difference between hazard and risk and articulate how both are addressed by CSA Standard Z1002 Occupational Health and Safety Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment and Control. The paper will also explain how hazard identification and risk assessment and control principles can be applied to electrical hazards.