Unveiling these invisible threats requires a comprehensive approach to assess risks accurately. Outlined below is an overview of the art of risk assessment. 

• Define the Scope: Clearly define the scope of the risk assessment. Clarify the objectives, boundaries, and context within which the assessment will take place. This will help establish a common understanding and focus for the assessment process. 

• Identify Hazards: Hazards are potential sources of harm. Conduct a thorough analysis to identify the hazards relevant to the subject of assessment. This analysis may involve examining past incidents, analysing historical data, consulting experts, and considering industry-specific or location-specific factors. 
• Assess Vulnerabilities: Vulnerabilities are weaknesses that may exacerbate the impact of a hazard. Evaluate the vulnerabilities associated with each hazard. This includes factors such as physical infrastructure, operational procedures, human resources, and technological systems. 
• Determine Consequences: Assess the potential consequences that may result from the occurrence of a hazard. Consider both immediate and long-term effects, such as loss of life, injuries, economic damage, environmental impact, or reputational harm. Quantitative and qualitative methods can be employed to estimate the severity of the consequences. 
• Evaluate Likelihood: Determine the likelihood of each hazard occurring. Think about factors such as frequency, historical data, expert judgment, and emerging trends. The likelihood assessment helps prioritise risks and allocate resources effectively. 
• Risk Estimation: Combine the assessment of consequences and likelihood to estimate the overall risk level pertaining to each hazard. This step usually involves a qualitative or quantitative evaluation, such as using risk matrices, probability calculations, or scenario analysis. The risk estimation enables a comparative analysis of different hazards and assists in decision-making. 

• Risk Mitigation: Develop strategies to mitigate risks based on the risk estimation results. This can involve putting preventive measures in place, enhancing safety protocols, adopting technological solutions, or creating contingency plans. The objective is to minimise the likelihood and potential consequences of the identified risks. 
• Monitor and Review: Continuously monitor and review the effectiveness of risk mitigation measures. Update the assessment at regular intervals to account for changes in the environment, emerging threats, or new vulnerabilities. Regular evaluation helps maintain preparedness and adapt to evolving risks. 
• Communication and Collaboration: Effective risk assessment requires collaboration and communication among all stakeholders. Share the findings, risk levels, and mitigation strategies with relevant parties. This creates a shared understanding of risks and encourages collective efforts to address them. 
• Adaptability: The art of risk assessment necessitates adaptability to new challenges and emerging threats. Stay informed regarding the latest research, technological advancements, and industry best practices. It is important to continuously refine risk assessment methodologies and incorporate lessons learned from past events. 

By following these steps, we can develop a structured and comprehensive approach to risk assessment. This art enables organisations to proactively identify, understand, and mitigate invisible threats, ensuring a safer and more secure environment.