In a risk assessment, which step comes after identifying hazards?

• A. Plan actions to reduce harm
• B. Review the assessment
• C. Implement controls
• D. Assess the risk

Answer: (D)

Once hazards are identified, the next move is to assess the risk by considering how likely harm is to occur and how severe that harm could be. This risk assessment tells you which hazards pose the greatest danger and therefore require attention. With a clear idea of risk levels, you can plan appropriate actions to reduce harm and then implement those controls. After that, you’d review how effective the controls are and update the assessment as needed. In a dental setting, this stepwise approach helps prioritise issues like infection control, sharps safety, or chemical exposures so that the most significant risks are addressed first.