Which of the following best describes the role of health risk assessment?

The role of health risk assessment is best described as the process of identifying potential exposures and their impacts on worker health. This involves systematically evaluating potential hazards in the workplace, understanding how these hazards can affect employees, and determining the level of risk associated with these exposures. The assessment helps in prioritizing risks based on severity and likelihood, which is a crucial step in developing effective control measures to protect worker health.

By focusing on identifying exposures first, organizations can strategically address these risks and implement appropriate interventions. This understanding is foundational to occupational hygiene, as it serves as the guiding framework for subsequent decisions regarding hazard control, monitoring practices, and health safety measures. This process does not involve simply creating new personal protective equipment or assuming that compliance with regulations is sufficient; rather, it emphasizes a proactive approach to safeguarding worker health by comprehensively evaluating and managing risks associated with potential exposures in the workplace.