What is the first step in the Risk Management process?

In the Risk Management process, identifying hazards is the crucial initial step. This involves recognizing potential sources of danger that could cause harm or lead to adverse events within aviation operations. By pinpointing these hazards early, organizations can gather detailed information about them, thereby creating a foundation for the subsequent steps in the risk management cycle.

Understanding hazards allows decision-makers to evaluate their significance and prioritize them according to their potential impact on safety. Once hazards are identified, it becomes possible to assess their risks and implement appropriate controls to mitigate them before they can cause any incidents. This foundational step of hazard identification is essential for effective risk management because it drives the entire process and informs the decisions that follow.