Which term describes the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm in the workplace?

The term that best describes the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm in the workplace is "Risk." In the context of occupational health and safety, risk assesses the probability of an adverse event occurring when a hazard is present. This evaluation considers both the nature of the hazard and the potential for exposure to that hazard, thereby helping organizations prioritize safety measures.

Understanding risk is crucial for developing effective safety protocols and preventing accidents. It incorporates various factors, including the severity of the potential harm and the number of individuals exposed. This makes it a comprehensive measure of the potential impact of hazards in a work environment.

In contrast, other terms like exposure refer more to the presence or level of contact with a hazard, hazard itself signifies the source of potential harm, and effect pertains to the actual consequences following an incident. None of these terms, alone, encapsulates the element of likelihood associated with causing harm as effectively as risk does.