What are risk assessments used for in a workplace?

Risk assessments are fundamental tools used in the workplace to identify and mitigate hazards that could potentially harm employees or disrupt operations. The process involves systematically evaluating the risks associated with various tasks, equipment, and environments to ensure that appropriate control measures are implemented to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of accidents and injuries. By identifying workplace hazards, organizations can take proactive steps to protect their workforce, comply with health and safety regulations, and foster a safer working environment.

The focus of risk assessments is on the safety of employees and the effectiveness of safety protocols rather than on aspects like employee retention, enhancing product sales, or improving corporate image, which, while important to an organization, are not the primary objectives of conducting a risk assessment. Therefore, the emphasis is squarely on recognizing hazards and implementing strategies to mitigate them, making this the correct answer.