Module 3 – Hazard Identification and Risk Management
Module Objectives
By the end of this module, you should be able to identify a risky situation, understand the principles of risk management, and help prevent incidents.
The goal is not to turn you into a risk analysis expert, but to provide you with the necessary guidance to understand how the SMS works and contribute to it effectively.
Difference between hazard, risk, and consequence
To understand the logic of risk management, it is essential to distinguish between hazard and risk.
A hazard is a condition or object that has the potential to cause, or contribute to, an incident or accident involving property or a person.
Risk refers to the expected consequences of a hazard. It is generally expressed in terms of the probability of the hazard occurring and the severity of its effects.
A hazard does not necessarily cause an incident on its own. It is often the combination of a hazard and contributing factors that can lead to an incident or accident. That is why hazard identification and risk assessment are central to the operation of the SMS.
Real-world examples from the aviation industry
The hazard-risk framework can be illustrated using concrete examples from the aviation industry.
In the case of a contaminated runway, the danger lies in the presence of a slippery surface. Contributing factors, such as adverse weather, reduced visibility, impaired braking, or inappropriate speed, can increase the level of risk. The risk is then that of a loss of control during taxiing or landing. The consequence may be a runway excursion, property damage, or injuries.
When it comes to fatigue, the danger lies in a decline in alertness. Contributing factors such as a heavy workload, lack of rest, shift work, or operational pressure can exacerbate the situation. This increases the risk of human error or poor decision-making. The result can be an incident, a procedural deviation, or poor coordination.
These examples show that a hazard must always be analyzed in context. It is often contributing factors that increase the likelihood of an event occurring.
General principles of risk assessment
Link between risks, operations, and decisions
In an aviation organization, risk management is directly linked to day-to-day operations and decisions.
When a change occurs, when a stressor increases, when a problem arises, or when a weak signal is detected, it is necessary to consider its potential impact on safety.
The risk management framework makes it possible to analyze these situations, assess their potential impacts, and prioritize the necessary actions. It helps the organization identify critical issues, select the most appropriate measures, and make decisions that are consistent with the level of risk identified.
Risk management thus serves as a direct link between safety analysis and operational activities. It supports decision-making by integrating safety into the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Identify a risky situation in your line of work
Recognizing a risky situation is one of the essential skills in an organization that has implemented a safety management system.
A risky situation does not always present itself in an obvious way. It may manifest as an unusual deviation, a recurring difficulty, ambiguity in instructions, a deterioration in working conditions, a temporary overload, or a recurring subtle warning sign.
The challenge, therefore, is to be alert to changes, to factors that could undermine operations, or to factors that could increase the likelihood of an event occurring.
Identifying a risky situation does not necessarily mean that a solution is immediately available. However, it does allow us to sound the alarm, share relevant information, and begin an analysis before more serious consequences arise.
Contribute to the prevention of events
In SMS, event prevention does not rely solely on formal analyses or a few specialized functions. It also depends on the active participation of everyone.
Contributing to prevention means, first and foremost, reporting hazards or risky situations as soon as they are identified. It also means sharing useful information, implementing the required control measures, and participating in feedback sessions.
This also means remaining vigilant regarding deteriorating situations, changes in the environment, fragile interfaces, or recurring difficulties.
Prevention often begins very early on, well before the event itself. The sooner a risky situation is identified, the more likely the organization is to take effective action to prevent it from having consequences.
Module Summary
Hazard identification and risk management are essential components of the SMS. A hazard is a potential source of harm. Risk corresponds to the associated level of threat, assessed based on the probability and severity of possible consequences. Risk assessment enables the organization to prioritize situations, inform its decisions, and implement appropriate control measures. This approach is not limited to a few specialists. Every individual can contribute to safety by identifying risky situations, sharing relevant information, and participating in the prevention of incidents. Risk management thus enables a shift from a reactive approach to a proactive one, in the interest of effective safety management.
