How is risk assessed according to ORM practices?

Risk assessment in Operational Risk Management (ORM) practices is fundamentally based on the process of analyzing all potential hazards. This involves identifying the risks associated with specific activities or environments, evaluating the severity and likelihood of those risks, and determining ways to mitigate or manage them effectively. By conducting a thorough analysis, individuals or organizations can make informed decisions, prioritize risks, and implement appropriate strategies to reduce or eliminate potential negative impacts.

This process is rooted in systematic evaluation rather than chance, ensuring that all conceivable hazards are taken into account and addressed based on their potential impact. The approach is methodical and comprehensive, allowing for a better understanding of risk and enhanced safety measures.

Other approaches, such as avoiding all risk or relying solely on experience, can lead to either excessive caution, where beneficial activities are unnecessarily limited, or to blind spots, where critical risk factors are overlooked. Random checks may be useful for certain evaluations but do not encompass the comprehensive strategy required for effective risk management.