Within the Health, Wellness, and Safe Workplace domain of the HRPA Professional Competency Framework, HR professionals are expected to understand factors that influence how employees recognize and respond to hazards. Risk perception refers to an individual’s subjective interpretation of potential harm influenced by their values, beliefs, prior experiences, and understanding of the hazard. This affects safety behaviours and the acceptance of controls. By contrast, risk aversion (a preference to avoid risk), risk assessment (a systematic process to evaluate likelihood and severity), and risk propensity (a general tendency to take risks) are distinct constructs.

Relevant Framework Reference (HRPA): Health, Wellness, and Safe Workplace—hazard recognition, psychosocial factors, and worker perception; due diligence in safety communication and training (HRPA Professional Competency Framework; HRPA Study Guide—OHS risk concepts and behavioural influences).