How does a risk register or hazard log support safety management?

• A. It records hazards, equipment purchases and maintenance schedules.
• B. It inventories equipment locations and serial numbers.
• C. It documents hazards, controls, and residual risk, guiding prioritization and corrective actions.
• D. It tracks staff training completion as a primary function.

Answer: (C)

At the heart of safety management is a living record that captures each hazard, the controls in place, and the remaining risk after those controls. This lets the team see not only what could go wrong, but how it’s being controlled and whether those controls are actually reducing risk. Because each hazard is evaluated with its risk after controls, the log helps prioritize actions by addressing the highest residual risk first, with clear owners and due dates to guide corrective work. It becomes a central tool for continuous improvement, informing audits, training needs, and resource allocation, and it communicates safety priorities across the organization so everyone understands where attention is needed.