What term describes the degree of harm that may result from exposure to a hazard in risk assessment?

The term that describes the degree of harm resulting from exposure to a hazard in risk assessment is "severity." In risk assessments, understanding severity is essential because it helps assess the potential consequences of hazards. Severity evaluates how harmful an outcome can be, ranging from minor injuries to catastrophic events. It's critical for determining the appropriate safety measures and responses needed to mitigate risks.

Probability and frequency relate to how often a hazard might occur, which is important but distinct from the harm caused by the hazard itself. Degree of damage might suggest the extent of damage caused by an event, but it does not capture the overall impact or the nature of the harm as comprehensively as severity does. Thus, severity is the most appropriate term in the context of understanding the impact of exposure to hazards.