--- title: Differences between Hazards and Risks description: This explains the difference between hazards and risks, which is related to the possibility of something happening, compared to the probability of it happening. --- [![mango_ecoonline](https://www.mangolive.com/hubfs/Mango%20Theme%202024/mango_ecoonline.svg "mango_ecoonline")](https://www.mangolive.com/?hsLang=en) [![Client Login](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/308986/50884387-f40d-4aa4-83e1-6f160fd3eedc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/308986/50884387-f40d-4aa4-83e1-6f160fd3eedc) QHSE Compliance Software Solutions Mango can be used to control and maintain all aspects of an organisation's QHSE compliance requirements. So whatever your needs - be they Health & Safety, Quality, Environmental Management, Food Safety - or all four - Mango is the answer. QHSE Compliance Software Mango can be used to control and maintain all aspects of an organisation's QHSE compliance requirements. So whatever your needs - be they Health & Safety, Quality, Environmental Management, Food Safety - or all four - Mango is the answer. QHSE Learning Centre Broaden your QHSE knowledge with resources for all skill levels. Whether you need the latest advanced tactics, a refresher on the basics, or to start from scratch, this is your home for QHSE knowledge. QHSE Clients Watch and listen to some Mango clients. They are just like you. Wrestling with QHSE compliance. They tell stories of before and after using Mango. They tell it like it is. # Hazards verses Risks [Learn QHSE](https://www.mangolive.com/learn-qhse?hsLang=en) / [Health & Safety](https://www.mangolive.com/learn-qhse?hsLang=en#health-safety) / Hazards and Risks ## What is the Difference Between Hazards and Risks?  These two terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, but actually have slightly different meanings. A hazard is the **possibility** of something causing harm A risk is the **probability **and **likelihood **of harm occurring. ![hazard-vs-risk](https://www.mangolive.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hazard%20vs%20risk.png?width=600&name=hazard%20vs%20risk.png) For example, it’s possible that a bottle of bleach could be used incorrectly, causing harm. But you need to ask, how probable is it that this is going to happen? Until an action has actually occurred, it is only a hazard, not a risk. Another example could be working at heights. Standing on top of a tall building is a hazard. The risk is how probable (say high, medium or low) will you slip or step off the building and cause harm to yourself. #### Should I care? You should care because managing your hazards and your risks all help to prevent incidents and injuries.  That is what your health and safety systems are all about.   #### Learn More: - [What are hazards / hazard management](https://www.mangolive.com/hazards-and-hazard-management?hsLang=en) - [What are accidents and Incidents? ](https://www.mangolive.com/accidents-and-incidents?hsLang=en) - [What is health and safety legislation?](https://www.mangolive.com/health-and-safety-legislation?hsLang=en) [![mango_ecoonline](https://www.mangolive.com/hubfs/Mango%20Theme%202024/mango_ecoonline.svg "mango_ecoonline")](https://www.mangolive.com/?hsLang=en) 2024 Copyright. All rights reserved. [Privacy policy](https://www.ecoonline.com/privacy-notice-ecoonline). - [**](https://www.facebook.com/Mango.Ltd) - [**](https://x.com/MangoLimited) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/company/mango-limited?trk=fc_badge) - [**](https://www.youtube.com/user/mangosoftware)