What is the purpose of risk assessment in MDC1?

• A. Identify hazards, estimate likelihood and severity, and implement mitigation to reduce risk.
• B. To punish staff for unsafe acts.
• C. To increase patient hospitalization duration.
• D. To replace all safety measures with training.

Answer: (D)

In MDC1, risk assessment is about proactively spotting potential hazards, judging how likely they are to occur and how severe their impact could be, and then putting in place controls to lower that risk. This process guides where to focus safety measures and ensures safeguards are appropriate and effective, before harm happens. Training is important, but it doesn’t replace safety controls like engineering or administrative measures, and risk assessment isn’t about punishment or prolonging care.