Which statement best describes the goal of risk mitigation actions after a risk assessment?

Which statement best describes the goal of risk mitigation actions after a risk assessment?

• A. Eliminate all risks completely
• B. Reduce risk by lowering the likelihood and/or impact
• C. Increase documentation without action
• D. Assign blame for hazards

Answer: (B)

After a risk assessment, the goal of risk mitigation is to lower overall risk by reducing either how likely the hazard is to occur or how severe its consequences could be. This is done through controls like engineering changes, safer procedures, training, and PPE, which aim to reduce either the likelihood or the impact (or both). The remaining risk, or residual risk, should be monitored to ensure controls stay effective and risk stays at an acceptable level. It’s not realistic to eliminate every risk, and simply increasing documentation or assigning blame doesn’t actually reduce risk.

After a risk assessment, the goal of risk mitigation is to lower overall risk by reducing either how likely the hazard is to occur or how severe its consequences could be. This is done through controls like engineering changes, safer procedures, training, and PPE, which aim to reduce either the likelihood or the impact (or both). The remaining risk, or residual risk, should be monitored to ensure controls stay effective and risk stays at an acceptable level. It’s not realistic to eliminate every risk, and simply increasing documentation or assigning blame doesn’t actually reduce risk.