SafetyWallet explains the definition of risk

A good question! Risk is a common expression we see used today. In our scenario, the health and safety context, it means we are looking at the likelihood of a serious incident or accident happening and the ripple-effects which arise from this.

Let's rewind very briefly! Safety legislation is the only legislation which is written in such a way that any finding arising automatically makes the person guilty of an offence. In most cases this person means the employer. Additionally, safety legislation places the responsibility on the employer to prove their innocence, not for someone else to prove their guilt!

So, coming back to the risk exposure, it means a serious incident or accident, any injuries or fatalities resulting from it, any lost-time resulting from it, any inherent monies lost from it and any civil or criminal liability resulting from it.