Legal Definitions - hazard

A hazard is a danger or risk that can cause harm or injury. It can be a contributing factor to a peril, which is a situation that is dangerous or risky. For example, if you are driving in heavy rain, the hazard is the slippery road that increases the risk of an accident.

There are different types of hazards:

• Occupational hazard: A danger or risk that is specific to a particular job or occupation. For instance, construction workers face hazards such as falls from heights, electrical shocks, and exposure to hazardous materials.
• Physical hazard: A hazard that originates from the material world, such as location, structure, occupancy, or exposure. For example, a chemical spill in a factory is a physical hazard that can cause harm to workers.
• Moral hazard: A hazard that arises from mental attitudes, such as dishonesty, carelessness, or insanity. An example of moral hazard is when an insured person intentionally damages their property to collect insurance money.
• Imminent hazard: An immediate danger that requires urgent action to prevent harm. In environmental law, an imminent hazard can be a situation where the use of a pesticide can cause adverse effects on the environment or endanger a species.

Overall, a hazard is something that poses a risk or danger to people, property, or the environment. It is important to identify and manage hazards to prevent accidents, injuries, or damage.