IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

In terms of risk, what does "likelihood" refer to?

1. The certainty that an event will occur

2. The chance that a hazard will result in a harmful event

3. The severity of the consequences of an event

4. The overall impact of workplace conditions

The correct answer is: The chance that a hazard will result in a harmful event

Likelihood in the context of risk primarily pertains to the chance that a hazard will lead to a harmful event. This involves evaluating how probable it is that exposure to a hazard will actually result in an adverse effect, such as injury or illness. Understanding likelihood is crucial for risk assessment, as it helps management prioritize safety measures based on the probability of harmful incidents occurring, rather than just their potential consequences. The other options touch on different aspects of risk but do not accurately define "likelihood." For instance, certainty relates to confidence in an outcome rather than the probability of occurrence. Severity speaks to the extent of harm that could result from an event but does not address how often such an event might happen. The overall impact of workplace conditions involves a broader assessment, encompassing numerous factors rather than solely the likelihood of a specific hazardous event leading to harm.