In risk management, which term describes the potential adverse effect of an accident?

The term that best describes the potential adverse effect of an accident is "Consequence." In risk management, a consequence refers to the impact or outcome that results from an event, such as an accident. This can include injuries, financial losses, or damage to property or the environment. Understanding consequences is crucial for assessing the overall severity of risks and for creating effective mitigation strategies.

While other terms like exposure, risk, and probability are related concepts in the risk management field, they have distinct meanings. Exposure typically refers to the extent to which an entity is susceptible to loss or harm. Risk is a broader concept that encompasses both the likelihood of an event occurring and its potential consequences. Probability focuses specifically on the likelihood of an event happening. Therefore, consequence is the most accurate term for describing the adverse effects that arise from accidents.