What it Means

Risk prevention is about taking proactive steps to stop a loss from happening, even if you can’t (or don’t want to) completely avoid the activity. Instead of staying away from the risk altogether (risk avoidance), you reduce the chance that the risk will materialize.

In other words, you still do the activity, but you make it much safer.

Examples

• Road Safety: Wearing seatbelts, obeying traffic rules, and regular vehicle maintenance to prevent accidents.
• Health Safety: Vaccinations, regular health check-ups, hand-washing and using masks to prevent infection.
• Fire Safety: Installing smoke detectors, keeping fire extinguishers, and using non-flammable materials to prevent fires.
• Business Safety: Keeping proper storage for goods, training workers on safety, and using protective equipment in factories.

Why It’s Important

• It reduces the likelihood of accidents and losses.
• It protects life, health, and property without giving up useful activities.
• It complements insurance: by preventing or reducing losses, you help keep premiums lower.

How to practice Risk Avoidance

• Identify the hazards –Understand what could go wrong (slippery floors, faulty wiring, unsafe driving).
• Plan preventive measures – e.g., safety training, regular inspections, maintenance schedules.
• Use protective devices – seat belts, helmets, gloves, safety signage, alarms.
• Educate and enforce rules – For example, make sure family, friends or staff follow safety practices consistently.