What does effective risk management in workplaces primarily focus on?

Effective risk management in workplaces primarily focuses on identifying and controlling hazards. This process involves systematically recognizing potential dangers in the workplace and implementing strategies to mitigate or eliminate these risks to ensure the safety and health of employees. By identifying hazards, organizations can assess the level of risk associated with them and determine appropriate control measures, thus fostering a safer work environment.

The emphasis on controlling hazards allows for proactive measures to be taken, which can include engineering controls, administrative changes, employee training, and the use of personal protective equipment. This focus not only helps in preventing accidents and injuries but also contributes to compliance with regulations and standards related to workplace safety.

While other options reflect different aspects of workplace dynamics, they do not align with the primary objective of effective risk management. For instance, maximizing productivity over safety could lead to negligence towards employee health. Creating a culture of fear regarding accidents may stifle open communication about safety concerns, while the idea of eliminating all potential risks is impractical, as complete elimination is often unrealistic in many work environments. Thus, focusing on identifying and controlling hazards is the most effective approach to managing risks in the workplace.