Hazard assessment is a systematic process used to identify, evaluate, and control risks that can harm human health, property, or the environment. It is an essential component of environmental and occupational safety because workplaces and natural environments are exposed to various physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards. The first step involved in hazard assessment is hazard identification. In this step, potential sources of danger are recognized. This may include identifying toxic chemicals in industries, unsafe machinery, noise pollution, radiation exposure, or environmental threats such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides. Identification is usually done through workplace inspections, safety audits, historical data review, and employee feedback. Proper identification helps organizations understand what hazards exist and where they are located. The second step is hazard characterization. Once hazards are identified, it is necessary to determine their nature, intensity, and potential impact. This step includes analyzing how severe the hazard is, how often exposure occurs, and how many people or ecosystems may be affected. For example, in an industrial setting, exposure levels of hazardous chemicals are measured to determine toxicity levels. In environmental contexts, hazard characterization may involve studying flood intensity, wind speed in cyclones, or seismic magnitude in earthquake-prone areas. This step helps in understanding the seriousness of the hazard and provides data for further risk evaluation. The third step is exposure assessment. Exposure assessment determines who or what is exposed to the hazard and to what extent. It studies exposure duration, frequency, and pathway such as inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact. In occupational environments, exposure assessment may involve monitoring workers’ contact with hazardous substances or noise levels. In